Ukraine Recovery Conference
{{Short description|Annual international event}}
{{Infobox recurring event
| name = Ukraine Recovery Conference
| logo = Ukraine Reform Conference Logo.png
| logo_caption = Pre-2022 conference logo.
| frequency = Annually
| first = {{start date and age|2017|07|06}}
| last = June 11–12, 2024 (Berlin, Germany)
| next = July 10–11 2025 (Rome, Italy)
| participants = Ukraine and its international partners
| activity = War recovery, Reforms, National security, Democracy, Economy of Ukraine
| website =
}}
Ukraine Recovery Conference (formerly Ukraine Reform Conference) is an annual international event dedicated to discussions on the rebuilding and reconstruction priorities of Ukraine due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web|title=Ukraine Reform Conference from 4–5 July 2022 in Lugano (URC2022)|url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/fdfa/aktuell/dossiers/alle-dossiers/urc2022-lugano.html/|url-status=dead|work=Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA|accessdate=January 12, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104114946/https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/fdfa/aktuell/dossiers/alle-dossiers/urc2022-lugano.html|archivedate=November 4, 2022|language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ukraine Recovery Conference – 4,5 July 2022 – Lugano, Switzerland |url=https://www.urc2022.com/ |access-date=2022-07-21 |work=Ukraine Recovery Conference 2022 |language=en |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118123304/https://www.urc2022.com/ |url-status=dead |archivedate=November 18, 2022}}
History
Following the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, Ukraine began undertaking reforms to reinforce security and democratic accountability. In 2017, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman initiated the first Ukraine Reform Conference as a tool for active engagement and collaboration with international organizations and foreign countries to support and implement reforms in Ukraine.{{cite web |url=https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/reformi/mizhnarodni-konferenciyi-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini |title=Ukraine Reform Conference |work=Government of Ukraine |accessdate=November 18, 2019 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230193412/https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/reformi/mizhnarodni-konferenciyi-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini |archivedate=December 30, 2020}}
The Ukraine Reform Conference originally focused on progress with reforms in Ukraine. It began as a conference including Ukrainian and foreign officials, including members of the European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), The Group of Seven (G7), civil society representatives, members of the private sector, and think tanks.{{cite web |url=https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/campaign-campagne/ukraine_reform-reformes/index.aspx?lang=eng |title=Ukraine Reform Conference July 2-4, 2019 |work=Government of Canada |accessdate=November 18, 2019 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118230707/https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/campaign-campagne/ukraine_reform-reformes/index.aspx?lang=eng |archivedate=November 18, 2019}} The objectives of the conference were to present results of key reforms in Ukraine, set out the priority of the Government of Ukraine's objectives for the upcoming year, encourage investment in the Ukrainian economy, and engage the international community in Ukrainian reforms.
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that started in 2014. The 2022 conference was originally planned as the 5th Ukraine Reform Conference. However, the focus and name were changed due to invasion of Ukraine.
2025
2024
File:(20240611)_Road_closure_as_Zelenskyy_visits_Berlin_04.jpg
In September 2023, Germany announced it would host the next conference. It took place on June 11–12, 2024 in Berlin.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-11 |title=Zelenskyy appeals for help with Ukraine's energy network as recovery conference opens |url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-ukraine-recovery-conference-berlin-9f1f451a9a44a8e5bdaa9189185890fb |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Kappeler |first1=Inke |last2=Gretener |first2=Jessie |date=September 20, 2023 |title=Germany will host next Ukraine recovery conference in June 2024, official says |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-09-20-23#h_21cf2db0ab063d1753b78a2582043e2d |work=CNN |language=en |access-date=March 8, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302053616/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-09-20-23/h_21cf2db0ab063d1753b78a2582043e2d |archive-date=March 2, 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ukrainianworldcongress.org/uwc-2024-calendar/ |title=UWC 2024 Calendar |website=Ukrainian World Congress |language=en |access-date=March 8, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309013435/https://www.ukrainianworldcongress.org/uwc-2024-calendar/ |archive-date=March 9, 2024}}
2023
File:Ukraine Recovery Conference in London UK, 22 June 2023.jpg
The 2023 conference took place in London, United Kingdom from June 21–22, 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.urc-international.com/urc-2023-info |title=URC 2023 Information |website=Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023 |language=en |access-date=March 8, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203132802/https://www.urc-international.com/urc-2023-info |archive-date=February 3, 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/london-conference-unites-international-community-on-ukraines-future-and-global-security |title=London conference unites international community on Ukraine's future and global security |website=Government of United Kingdom |language=en |access-date=March 8, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303072823/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/london-conference-unites-international-community-on-ukraines-future-and-global-security |archive-date=March 3, 2024}}
The conference was again attended by high-level international representatives, organizations, and financial institutions. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy again attended virtually via video-link.{{cite web |url=https://www.urc-international.com/ukraine-recovery-conference-urc-2023 |title=All sessions of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2023) |website=Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023 |language=en |access-date=March 8, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203132803/https://www.urc-international.com/ukraine-recovery-conference-urc-2023 |archive-date=February 3, 2024}}
During the conference, Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal remarked that Ukraine was facing the largest reconstruction project in Europe since World War II and requested US$7 billion in aid.{{cite news |author= |date=June 21, 2023 |title=Ukraine PM Shmyhal expects to secure almost $7 billion in aid |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-pm-shmyhal-expects-secure-almost-7-billion-aid-2023-06-21/ |work=Reuters |location=London, UK |language=en |access-date=March 8, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703075843/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-pm-shmyhal-expects-secure-almost-7-billion-aid-2023-06-21/ |archive-date=July 3, 2023}}
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented a proposal for a new Ukrainian facility that would provide up to EUR€50 billion over four years to support financial stability, recovery, and implementation of key reforms to assist in the Accession of Ukraine to the European Union between 2024 and 2027.{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3350 |title=Ukraine Recovery Conference: President von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis showcase strong EU support with new €50 billion Ukraine Facility and €800 million in agreements to mobilise investment for Ukraine's recovery |website=European Commission |language=en |access-date=March 8, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121113035/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3350 |archive-date=November 21, 2023}}
2022
The fifth conference was the first conference after the Russian invasion of Ukraine which precipitated a change in name and focus of the conference from the Ukraine Reform Conference to the Ukraine Recovery Conference.
It was a two-day conference held on 4–5 July 2022 in Lugano, Switzerland designed to present the Ukrainian roadmap on post-war reconstruction, including plans to raise funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine.{{Cite news |date=2022-07-04 |title=Ukraine recovery conference opens in Lugano, Switzerland - KyivPost - Ukraine's Global Voice |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/world/colossal-work-ahead-as-ukraine-recovery-meet-to-open-in-lugano-switzerland.html |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=KyivPost |archive-date=2022-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704100249/https://www.kyivpost.com/world/colossal-work-ahead-as-ukraine-recovery-meet-to-open-in-lugano-switzerland.html |url-status=live }} It has been called a “Marshall Plan” for Ukraine.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-04 |title='Colossal' work ahead, as Ukraine recovery meet to open in Lugano |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220704-colossal-work-ahead-as-ukraine-recovery-meet-to-open-in-lugano |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=2022-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704030705/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220704-colossal-work-ahead-as-ukraine-recovery-meet-to-open-in-lugano |url-status=live }} The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, revealed infrastructure losses in Ukraine to be more than US$100 billion.{{cite news |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=July 4, 2022 |title=Ukraine lays out $750bn 'recovery plan' for postwar future |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/04/ukraine-zelenskiy-lays-out-750bn-recovery-plan-for-postwar-future |work=The Guardian |language=en |access-date=March 9, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111102056/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/04/ukraine-zelenskiy-lays-out-750bn-recovery-plan-for-postwar-future |archive-date=November 11, 2023}} Which included more than 1,200 educational institutions, 200 hospitals, thousands of kilometres of gas pipelines, water and electricity infrastructure, roads, and railways which had been destroyed or damaged.
During the conference, a draft framework was presented for the post-war recovery of Ukraine. Using input from 2,000 experts, the framework was separated into three stages with an estimated reconstruction cost of US$750 billion.{{cite news |author= |date=July 4, 2022 |title=EU to set up a platform for Ukrainian reconstruction |url=https://www.dw.com/en/eu-to-set-up-a-platform-for-ukrainian-reconstruction-as-it-happened/a-62345352 |work=DW News |language=en |access-date=March 9, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021143540/https://www.dw.com/en/eu-to-set-up-a-platform-for-ukrainian-reconstruction-as-it-happened/a-62345352 |archive-date=October 21, 2023}}
The draft framework included the following steps for the reconstruction of Ukraine:
- Emergency humanitarian help, including water supplies and bridges.
- From 2023 to 2025, reconstruct schools, hospitals, and homes.
- From 2026 to 2032, modernization to a green economy that leaves the Soviet era, and prepares Ukraine for EU membership.
The conference resulted in a "Lugano Declaration"{{cite web |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/ukraine/outcome-document-ukraine-recovery-conference-urc2022-lugano-declaration-lugano-4-5-july-2022 |title=Outcome Document of the Ukraine Recovery Conference URC2022: 'Lugano Declaration' (Lugano, 4–5 July, 2022) |date=July 6, 2022 |website=ReliefWeb |language=en |access-date=March 9, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124172722/https://reliefweb.int/report/ukraine/outcome-document-ukraine-recovery-conference-urc2022-lugano-declaration-lugano-4-5-july-2022 |archive-date=January 24, 2024}} which outlined the following:
{{bulleted list
|Condemnation of the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
|Urging Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory.
|Full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
|Full commitment to supporting Ukraine throughout its path from early to long-term recovery.{{cite web |url=https://www.kmu.gov.ua/storage/app/sites/1/uploaded-files/URC_Declaration_v21.pdf |title=Outcome Document of the Ukraine Recovery Conference URC2022 'Lugano Declaration' |work=Government of Ukraine |language=en |access-date=March 9, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727155248/https://www.kmu.gov.ua/storage/app/sites/1/uploaded-files/URC_Declaration_v21.pdf |archive-date=July 27, 2022}}
}}
It also outlined seven principles for Ukraine's recovery process:
- Partnership. Led by Ukraine in partnership with international partners.
- Reform focus. Focus on reform efforts in line with Ukraine's European path.
- Transparency, accountability, and rule of law.
- Democratic participation.
- Multi-stakeholder engagement.
- Gender equality and inclusion.
- Sustainability.
The declaration was signed by heads of state and government, ministers and high representatives of Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Denmark, Estonia, Israel, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, Ukraine, Hungary, Finland, France, Croatia, Japan, as well as senior officials and high representatives of the Council of Europe, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.{{cite news |last=Kyiv Post |date=6 July 2022 |title=42 countries sign final declaration of Lugano Ukraine Recovery conference |language=en |work=Kyiv Post |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/world/42-countries-sign-final-declaration-of-lugano-ukraine-recovery-conference.html |access-date=6 July 2022}} The United Kingdom also unveiled a large aid package for the rebuilding of Ukraine.{{Cite news |date=2022-07-03 |title=Ukrainian forces withdraw from Lysychansk; Kyiv says Donbas battle not over |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/03/russia-ukraine-war-putin-news-live-updates/ |access-date=2022-07-04 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en |archive-date=2022-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704180029/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/03/russia-ukraine-war-putin-news-live-updates/ |url-status=live }}
The conference was the first one that President Zelenskyy did not attend in person and instead joined via live video link from Kyiv.{{cite web |url=https://www.urc-international.com/ukraine-recovery-conference-urc-2022 |title=All sessions of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2022) |website=Ukraine Recovery Conference 2022 |language=en |access-date=March 8, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330011041/https://www.urc-international.com/ukraine-recovery-conference-urc-2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2023}}
During his speech, President Zelenskyy remarked on the invasion of Ukraine:
{{Blockquote
|text=Russia's war against Ukraine is not only an attempt to seize our land and destroy state institutions, to break our independence. It is a worldview confrontation. The anti-democratic and anti-European system built in Russia is trying to prove that it is supposedly stronger than all of us: Ukraine, Europe, and the democratic world.
}}
2021
The fourth conference was originally scheduled to be held on July 7, 2020, in Vilnius, Lithuania.{{cite web|title=Ukraine Reform Conference 2020 Vilnius|url=https://urm.lt/urc2020/|url-status=dead|work=Republic of Lithuania|accessdate=December 30, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230191032/https://urm.lt/urc2020/|archivedate=December 30, 2020}}{{cite web|title=The Fourth Conference on Reforms in Ukraine will be held in Lithuania next year, on July 7 - Volodymyr Zelenskyy|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/chetverta-konferenciya-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini-vidbudetsya-58617|url-status=live|work=President of Ukraine Official Website|accessdate=December 30, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230191702/https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/chetverta-konferenciya-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini-vidbudetsya-58617|archivedate=December 30, 2020}} However, due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was rescheduled for 2021.{{cite web |url=https://uk.mfa.lt/default/en/news/lithuanian-and-canadian-foreign-ministers-discuss-preparations-for-fourth-ukraine-reform-conference |title=Lithuanian and Canadian Foreign Ministers discuss preparations for Fourth Ukraine Reform Conference |work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania |accessdate=December 30, 2020 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230192029/https://uk.mfa.lt/default/en/news/lithuanian-and-canadian-foreign-ministers-discuss-preparations-for-fourth-ukraine-reform-conference |archivedate=December 30, 2020}}
Both President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky attended. Invitees included representatives from the following countries:
{{columns-list |colwidth=9em |
- {{Country|Albania}}
- {{Country|Austria}}
- {{Country|Belgium}}
- {{Country|Bulgaria}}
- {{Country|Canada}}
- {{Country|Croatia}}
- {{Country|Cyprus}}
- {{Country|Czech Republic}}
- {{Country|Denmark}}
- {{Country|Estonia}}
- {{Country|Finland}}
- {{Country|France}}
- {{Country|Germany}}
- {{Country|Greece}}
- {{Country|Hungary}}
- {{Country|Iceland}}
- {{Country|Ireland}}
- {{Country|Israel}}
- {{Country|Italy}}
- {{Country|Japan}}
- {{Country|Latvia}}
- {{Country|Luxembourg}}
- {{Country|Malta}}
- {{Country|Montenegro}}
- {{Country|Netherlands}}
- {{Country|Norway}}
- {{Country|Poland}}
- {{Country|Portugal}}
- {{Country|Romania}}
- {{Country|Slovakia}}
- {{Country|Slovenia}}
- {{Country|South Korea}}
- {{Country|Spain}}
- {{Country|Sweden}}
- {{Country|Switzerland}}
- {{Country|Turkey}}
- {{Country|Ukraine}}
- {{Country|United Kingdom}}
- {{Country|United States}}
}}
as well as representatives from the European Union, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Council of Europe, the International Monetary Fund, NATO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine, and the European Union Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine.
The conference focused on developments after the 2019 Ukrainian presidential election, the War in Donbas, and policy objectives for the future.{{cite web |url=https://uareforms.org/en/pages/about-URC |title=About Ukraine Reform Conference |work=UAReforms |accessdate=December 30, 2020 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230192133/https://uareforms.org/en/pages/about-URC |archivedate=December 30, 2020}}
2019
File:Ukraine Reform Conference in Toronto, Canada, 4 July 2019.jpg
File:Canada and Ukraine strengthen cooperation at the Ukraine Reform Conference.webm
The third conference was held on July 2–4, 2019 in Toronto, Canada.
There was more than 800 in attendance, including delegations from 37 countries and 10 international organizations. Among those in attendance included President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau,{{cite news |title=Toronto meeting was part of Ukraine pressure campaign by Trump team: U.S. diplomat |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-taylor-toronto-volker-zelensky-1.5333138 |date=October 24, 2019 |accessdate=November 18, 2019 |work=CBC |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230215401/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-taylor-toronto-volker-zelensky-1.5333138 |archivedate=December 30, 2020}} as well as representatives from the following countries:
{{columns-list |colwidth=9em |
- {{Country|Albania}}
- {{Country|Austria}}
- {{Country|Belgium}}
- {{Country|Canada}}(host)
- {{Country|Croatia}}
- {{Country|Cyprus}}
- {{Country|Czech Republic}}
- {{Country|Denmark}}
- {{Country|Estonia}}
- {{Country|Finland}}
- {{Country|France}}
- {{Country|Germany}}
- {{Country|Greece}}
- {{Country|Hungary}}
- {{Country|Iceland}}
- {{Country|Ireland}}
- {{Country|Israel}}
- {{Country|Italy}}
- {{Country|Japan}}
- {{Country|Latvia}}
- {{Country|Lithuania}}
- {{Country|Luxembourg}}
- {{Country|Malta}}
- {{Country|Netherlands}}
- {{Country|Norway}}
- {{Country|Poland}}
- {{Country|Portugal}}
- {{Country|Romania}}
- {{Country|Slovak Republic}}
- {{Country|Slovenia}}
- {{Country|Spain}}
- {{Country|Sweden}}
- {{Country|Switzerland}}
- {{Country|Turkey}}
- {{Country|Ukraine}}
- {{Country|United Kingdom}}
- {{Country|United States}}
}}
as well as representatives from NATO, Council of Europe, International Monetary Fund, European Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, OECD, Ukrainian World Congress, and the World Bank.{{cite web |url=https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/reformi/mizhnarodni-konferenciyi-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini/mizhnarodna-konferenciya-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini-toronto-lipen-2019 |work=Government of Ukraine |title=Ukraine Reform Conference, Toronto, July 2019 |accessdate=November 18, 2019 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230215609/https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/reformi/mizhnarodni-konferenciyi-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini/mizhnarodna-konferenciya-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini-toronto-lipen-2019 |archivedate=December 30, 2020}}
Key agenda items included:
- Irreversibility of reforms in Ukraine
- Decentralization reform, its opportunities, efficiency, and results
- Ukraine on the path of integration into the Euro-Atlantic community
- Innovations, opportunities and investing
2018
The second conference was held on June 27, 2018, in Copenhagen, Denmark.{{cite web |url=https://um.dk/en/foreign-policy/ukraine-reform/ |title=Ukraine Reform Conference in Copenhagen |work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark |accessdate=November 18, 2019 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230220344/https://um.dk/en/foreign-policy/ukraine-reform/ |archivedate=December 30, 2020}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/reformi/mizhnarodni-konferenciyi-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini/urc-2018 |title=Ukraine Reform Conference in Copenhagen, June 2018 |work=Government of Ukraine |accessdate=November 18, 2019 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923232414/https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/reformi/mizhnarodni-konferenciyi-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini/urc-2018 |archivedate=September 23, 2020}}
The conference was attended by:
class="wikitable sortable" |
Country
| Representative | Position | References |
{{Country|Ukraine}}
| Volodymyr Groysman | Prime Minister of Ukraine |
{{Country|Denmark}}(host) |
{{Country|Canada}} |
{{Country|Estonia}} |
{{Country|European Union}}
| High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy |
{{Country|Latvia}} |
{{Country|Lithuania}} |
{{Country|Norway}} |
{{Country|Sweden}} |
{{Country|Turkey}} |
{{Country|United Kingdom}} |
As well as representatives from the United States, NATO, OECD, and other G7 and European countries.{{cite web
|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/626989/ukraine-reform-conference-communique.pdf |title=Communiqué –Ukraine Reform Conference
|work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark |accessdate=November 18, 2019 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119005928/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/626989/ukraine-reform-conference-communique.pdf |archivedate=November 19, 2019}}
The conference focused on affirming the international partnership with and support for a free and reformed Ukraine, and topics of good governance, economic development, and objectives for 2018–2019.
{{cite web |url=https://um.dk/en/news/NewsDisplayPage/?newsID=19E60012-9276-4CA5-9291-5222CDE22F5B |title=Press Statement by Ukraine and the UK, Denmark and Canada
|work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark |accessdate=November 18, 2019 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814122139/https://um.dk/en/news/newsdisplaypage/?newsid=19e60012-9276-4ca5-9291-5222cde22f5b |archivedate=August 14, 2020}} Objectives included privatization of state owned enterprises, improved corporate governance, improving the business climate, land market reform, decentralization, anti-corruption, energy sector reform, infrastructure development, public administration reform and innovation and digital development.
Prime Minister Groysman indicated Ukraine will continue to implement policies further align and deepen cooperation with the European Union. The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area entered into force on 1 September 2017 and provided Ukraine with access to the European single market, which increased trade of Ukrainian foreign goods with EU members states to 41.3%.{{cite web |url=https://www.kmu.gov.ua/storage/app/media/reform%20office/Ukraine_Reform_Conference_II_web.pdf |title=Reforms in Ukraine: Progress and Priorities. |work=Government of Ukraine |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824195422/https://www.kmu.gov.ua/storage/app/media/reform%20office/Ukraine_Reform_Conference_II_web.pdf |archive-date=August 24, 2020}} In 2017, Ukraine achieved more than +2% growth in gross domestic product(GDP) and was estimated to achieve +3% GDP in 2018, and >3% GDP by 2019.
Groysman outlined the following 6 key reform priories:
class=wikitable
|+ ! Reform priorities ! Some areas of progress |
Pensions
| Since 2017, 10.2 million pensions were raised by an average of ₴561.17 (35.7% increase). |
---|
Education
| Implementation of the "New Ukrainian School" system. Increased coverage for students with special needs. In 2017, teachers’ salaries increased by 50% and an additional 25% increase in 2018. |
Healthcare
| Multiple laws were passed, including legislation "On Improving the Availability of Medical Services in Rural Areas”, and legislation on medical care for foreigners and stateless persons. A basic implementation of an eHealth system, and an affordable medicine program. Began setting up the National Health Service of Ukraine as a designated national purchaser of medical services. |
Public Administration
| Online tools were implemented for monitoring government decisions and plans. Creation of a single open government data web-portal ({{URL |data.gov.ua}}) for access to public information. Implementation of 35 new e-services. Since 2017, achieved +34 in the Global Competitiveness Index and +7 in the ICT Development Index. |
Privatization and State-Owned Enterprises
| New legislation passed. Separation of state-owned enterprises(SOEs) into more groups to help triage further reforms. Utilizing Prozorro.Sale, a joint-stock company, to pilot small scale privatization of SOEs in a transparent manner. |
Agriculture sector
| Several resolutions on land use monitoring and maintenance. New online services. Allocated ₴6.3 billion in the 2018 state budget for agricultural purposes. |
2017
The first conference was held on July 6, 2017, in London, United Kingdom.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/ukraine-reform-conference/about |title=About the Ukraine Reform Conference |work=United Kingdom Government |accessdate=November 18, 2019 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023135032/https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/ukraine-reform-conference/about |archivedate=October 23, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/reformi/mizhnarodni-konferenciyi-z-pitan-reform-v-ukrayini/urc-2017 |title=Ukraine Reform Conference, London, July 2017 |work=Government of Ukraine |accessdate=November 18, 2019 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119000336/https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/ukraine-reform-conference/about |archivedate=November 19, 2019}} The conference was attended by Prime Minister Groysman, United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, and more than 30 representatives from international security and financial organizations.{{cite web |url=https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/250120199 |title=Prime Minister in London: We created a good platform for reforms analysis |website=Government of Ukraine Official Website |language=en |access-date=March 9, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928062613/https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/250120199 |archive-date=September 28, 2020}}
The themes of the conference were economic growth, good governance, human capital, rule of law, anti-corruption, and defence and security. The Government of Ukraine presented its Reform Action Plan 2017-2020, which laid out future reform plans.
Prime Minister Groysman emphasized enhancing Ukraine's defence capabilities in response to aggression from Russia. Groysman remarked that "improving the defense capability of our state is in the interest of the entire democratic world".{{cite web |url=https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/250118137 |title=Volodymyr Groysman: Improving Ukraine's defense capability is in the interest of the entire world |website=Government of Ukraine Official Website |language=en |access-date=March 9, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310020659/https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/250118137 |archive-date=March 10, 2024}}
Groysman cited two additional areas needing reforms, which included privatization and corruption.{{cite web |url=https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/250116893 |title=Volodymyr Groysman at the Conference in London: Initiated reforms are aimed at achieving significant results |website=Government of Ukraine Official Website |language=en |access-date=March 9, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310021333/https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/250116893 |archive-date=March 10, 2024}} For privatization, Groysman stated that new legislation had already been submitted to the Ukrainian parliament to develop a system of transparent and competitive privatization. As well as reforming the judicial system and adopting English law. For corruption, Groysman advocated decentralization and presented strategies for anti-corruption, including the new National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the creation of an anti-corruption court of justice.
See also
References
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{{2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
Category:21st-century diplomatic conferences
Category:Development in Europe
Category:Diplomatic conferences
Category:Diplomatic conferences in Canada
Category:Diplomatic conferences in Germany
Category:Diplomatic conferences in Lithuania
Category:Diplomatic conferences in Switzerland
Category:Diplomatic conferences in the United Kingdom
Category:Economic history of Ukraine
Category:Foreign relations of Ukraine
Category:International conferences
Category:July 2017 in the United Kingdom
Category:Reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine