Scholz confirms that “Putin’s war has only further united our countries”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants the reconstruction of Ukraine at the end of the war with Russia to also have the country’s accession to the EU as its ultimate goal. “We want Ukraine to be part of the European Union,” the head of the Berlin government said to those attending a German-Ukrainian economic forum attended by the prime minister of the Kiev Executive, Denis Schmihal. “This decision also sends a signal to private investors: whoever invests in Ukraine’s reconstruction today is investing in a future EU member state,” said the social-democratic politician, recalling that about 2,000 German companies are currently doing business in and with Ukraine and noted that “Putin’s war has only further united our countries.”
Scholz spoke out in favor of rebuilding the transport and logistics sector so that Ukraine can seamlessly join the European Union. The German top executive also announced a broad economic association with the Russian-invaded country. “I am convinced that today’s meeting could be the beginning of an economic and transformative partnership between our countries, deeper and broader than the one existing thus far,” emphasized Scholz. However, the chancellor demanded from the Kiev authorities more rule of law and a strong effective crackdown on corruption. In this regard, he stressed that Ukraine’s road to the EU will be linked “with many reforms, especially with regard to justice and the fight against corruption”.
For his part, the Federal Economy Minister, the green Robert Habeck, focused more on the immediate challenges, citing “urgent help to face the winter” as a priority. In this regard, he emphasized that Ukraine now needs, for example, generators, transformers and support to repair its power plants and networks, which have been the target of Russian bombings in recent weeks. The federal deputy foreign minister also pointed out that Ukraine needs “a Marshall Plan” for its reconstruction and called for a large delegation of German businessmen to travel to the attacked country once the situation there is more stable.
“We are walking towards Europe step by step,” said Denis Schmihal, calling on German business to invest in his country. “The transformation process offers European companies incredible opportunities,” said the Ukrainian Prime Minister, underlining the experience of the military industry, the potential of the energy economy and the highly productive agriculture of Ukraine. Kiev’s head of government said his country needs at least $750,000 million to rebuild. German businessmen who attended the forum emphasized their support for Ukraine. “We will not abandon Ukraine,” said Peter Adrian, chairman of Germany’s Diet for Industry and Trade. Adrian stressed that Ukraine’s economy continues to function despite the war and noted that German businessmen “want to help rebuild” the country.
Source: La Verdad
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