US aid to Europe after the Second World War serves as a model. However, there are no concrete financial commitments yet. Ukraine calls for financing needs of 38 billion dollars for the coming year.
The G7 countries of the economically strong democracies and the European Union have one thing in common Marshallplan for the reconstruction of Ukraine. An expert conference chaired by Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday gave the starting signal for such a program modeled on US aid to Europe after World War II.
Scholz called the reconstruction a “generational task that has to start now”. von der Leyen also warned that no time should be wasted. “We have to make sure that Ukraine gets the support it needs at all times.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for rapid international investment.
Germany’s Chancellor, as the current chairman of the G7, organized the conference together with von der Leyen. The Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal traveled from Kyiv, Zelensky was connected via video. No concrete financial commitments were made at the expert meeting, which was deliberately not designed as a donor conference. In addition to Germany, the G7 group also includes France, Italy, Japan, Canada, the USA and Great Britain.
Steinmeier in Kyiv
At the same time as the Berlin conference, Germany’s Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the Ukraine and promised further help. “My message to the Ukrainians is: We’re not just standing by your side. We will continue to support Ukraine – economically, politically and militarily.”
Von der Leyen said that no country and no alliance could handle the reconstruction alone, billions were needed. You need strong partners like the US, Canada, Japan, Great Britain, Australia and others, as well as institutions like the World Bank. It is also about investing in democratic values worldwide.
Zelensky explained that investments in hospitals, schools, transport routes and other vital infrastructure are particularly urgent. More than a third of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was destroyed by rocket attacks. This part of the reconstruction cannot be postponed until after the war, Ukraine needs money for that now. The recovery fund being considered by the G7 must start work as early as next month.
38 billion euros financing requirement
The President named a financial requirement of 38 billion dollars to balance the national deficit in the coming year. The money is needed to pay teachers and doctors and to pay out pensions. The G7 have already pledged further financial aid for 2023. In addition to military and humanitarian support, budget support of 20.7 billion US dollars has already flowed this year. A total of $33.3 billion has been committed. By far the largest donor is the USA. According to the Ministry of Finance, Germany is the largest donor within the EU with a share of 1.4 billion euros.
pat
(APA/dpa)