On 11 September, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko met with a delegation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) led by Matteo Patrone, Vice President of the Bank.

The parties discussed the expansion of the EBRD’s investments in energy and infrastructure projects, as well as the Bank’s involvement in financing mine action.

“The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is one of Ukraine’s most important partners. I would like to thank it for supporting Ukraine’s state-owned banks in implementing new energy programmes. With the EBRD’s help, we hope to unlock private investment in renewable energy projects,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

The meeting discussed the support for specific investment projects and progress in implementing the support for Ukraine agreed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin – agreements with banks that will strengthen their capacity to provide new loans and expand access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses.

The Ministry of Economy is also currently working on a step-by-step guide for businesses to help them attract affordable financial instruments. EBRD experts have been invited to contribute to the development of this document.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the possibility of wider involvement of EBRD experts in the programme to support public financial management in Ukraine. In particular, they talked about improving public investment management and creating a single portfolio of investment projects for international financial institutions. In this context, they discussed the importance of the work of the Strategic Investment Council, which was established in May this year.

They also discussed the possibility of involving the EBRD in mine action. A feasibility study is currently planned to integrate the Bank’s programmes to support the agricultural sector in mine action. The parties also discussed the possibility of providing support to mine action equipment manufacturers.

“It is important for us to make Ukrainian land safe as soon as possible so that farmers can start cultivating it. That is why we proposed to the EBRD to join the cooperation to increase the number of demining machines, deminers and mine action operators,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

Another topic for discussion was the development of human capital. Through cooperation with the EBRD, the Government hopes to improve the situation on the labour market and create conditions for the return of Ukrainians.

At the end of the meeting, the parties raised the issue of the EBRD’s involvement in financing the state programme for affordable housing loans, eOselia.