Czech Republic among signatories of Lugano Declaration to rebuild Ukraine

The Czech Republic is among the 40 states to sign the Lugano Declaration, a document to come out of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano, Switzerland, which commits the signatories to support Ukraine throughout its path from early to long-term recovery from the war which Russia has been waging on its territory. The parties also recognised the Ukraine-led draft of the relevant Recovery and Development Plan.

The declaration also emphasizes the importance of institutional reforms, transparency and sustainability in the recovery process, including tackling corruption. The document also invites entities from the private sector, academia and civil society to enter into partnership with their Ukrainian counterparts in the process.

The two-day conference started on Monday, July 4, and was attended by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala who said in his opening speech that the international community must be ready to help Ukraine rebuild and should already begin with the reconstruction of damaged Ukrainian cities so that their residents can start returning home.

Mr Fiala also reiterated that rebuilding Ukraine is one of the priorities of the ongoing Czech EU presidency and that it is “clear” that a large part of the reconstruction will be conducted by the European Union. He also said that the Czech Republic will continue to supply the country with arms.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that around USD 750 billion will be needed to rebuild the country that was invaded by the Russian Federation in February. Mr Fiala, who spoke with the Ukrainian head of government about areas where the Czech Republic could help, mentioned sectors such as transport, healthcare and nuclear energy.