Deputy Head of the Office of the President Oleksiy Kuleba met with the Head of the Office of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Ukraine, Mr. Jean-Erik De Zagon.
"The European Investment Bank has been providing significant and uninterrupted support to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, responding to the urgent needs of our country. We sincerely thank our partners for such powerful assistance," Oleksiy Kuleba said.
During the meeting, the implementation of EIB's current projects and potential cooperation in the post-war reconstruction within the Ukraine Facility, being developed in close collaboration with representatives of government authorities at all levels and civil organizations, including the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, were discussed.
"The approaches to recovery require constant dialogue and shaped state policies, from spatial planning to training qualified personnel. Representatives of all branches of government are currently united in supporting community initiatives for recovery and development," the Deputy Head of the Office of the President said.
Jean-Erik De Zagon, on his part, said that Ukraine is not only fighting for its territory but also for European values. He also added that the financial support from the European Investment Bank to our country remains unwavering.
"As of today, we have already allocated over EUR 2 billion to meet Ukraine's urgent needs. In addition, we will continue financing from the EU for Ukraine Fund bolstered by contributions from EU member states and guarantees from the European Commission and has already gathered EUR 500 million. These significant investments underline our resolute and enduring commitment: we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it needed," Jean-Erik De Zagon said.
The Head of the EIB office in Ukraine highly appreciated the decentralization process, which, despite the full-scale war, continues in Ukraine, and assured that the EIB remains committed to supporting and providing constant assistance to our country on its path to EU membership.
"Recovery and development should be based on the needs of local communities and take into account local peculiarities. This is vitally important for building a sustainable and flourishing Ukraine," he said.