The European Union Project Office is open in Mariupol. It will implement two programs: decentralization and fight against corruption. This is only part of the EU's support for the eastern regions of Ukraine, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“The two EU programs that will be implemented in this office are support for decentralization and fight against corruption. Both programs are of great importance for business development and investment attraction,” the President stressed during the opening of the EU office in Mariupol.
The Head of State noted that it was only a small part of the European Union's assistance to Ukraine and the eastern regions most affected by the war.
“We highly appreciate the support of our European partners, we feel it not in word but in deed. And today we see this,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reminded of the complex program of the EU assistance to the Ukrainian Azov region, in particular, projects on modernization of roads and railways from Mariupol to Zaporizhzhia and Mykolaiv, upgrade of the trolleybus fleet in Kherson, support for small business, reconstruction of kindergartens, modernization of vocational education institutions and support for internally displaced persons.
The Head of State said that the program of support for Pryazovya and today's RE: THINK. Invest in Ukraine Forum in Mariupol shared a common goal - improvement of lives of ordinary Ukrainians who are tired of years of corruption, obstacles to doing business and strive for peace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that Ukrainians needed rapid change for the better, and it could be achieved together with international partners so that "throughout the country and most importantly here, in the east of the country, citizens can see what a decent European life is".
According to the President, the total EU support has already reached 15 billion euros. “We are very grateful for that. At the same time, our goal is to get out of the paradigm of the aid seeker and finally start the implementation of large investment projects together with international partners,” he stressed.
The Head of State is convinced that Ukraine can be attractive for investment. "And due to economic growth, systemic changes and important reforms, it will join the European family in the near future," the President stressed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that Director General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Christian Danielsson would support Ukraine.
