In a “Lugan Declaration”, more than 40 states and international organizations pledged their support for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Representatives from Austria, Germany, the USA, Great Britain and France, among others, signed the document today in the city of Ticino, Switzerland.
Ukraine estimates the volume for the country’s reconstruction at around 720 billion euros. Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal said at the previous day’s conference that the Russian war of aggression that has been raging since February 24 has caused direct damage of nearly 100 billion euros so far to Ukraine’s infrastructure alone.
According to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union has mobilized 6.2 billion euros to support Ukraine since the beginning of the war. Von der Leyen promised more help.
Edtstadler is pushing for reforms
On the one hand, Austria showed solidarity in Lugano, on the other hand, it warned that Ukraine was obliged to surrender. “Support for Ukraine cannot be questioned,” said European Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP). At the same time, it is “essential that reforms continue”.
In his statement, Edtstadler emphasized Austria’s previous commitment to Ukraine and the funds of more than 80 million euros that have been spent so far. Even if support for Ukraine is not in question, the Western Balkans should not lag behind Ukraine in terms of EU integration.