International Conference “Standing with the Ukrainian People” (Paris, 13 December 2022)
Remarks by Governor Monticelli
As prepared for delivery
La Banque de Développement du Conseil de l'Europe est honorée de participer à cette importante conférence en soutien à l’Ukraine. Au nom de la Banque, je tiens à remercier le Président Macron et le Président Zelenskyy pour cette initiative majeure et à vous assurer de notre plein soutien.
Indeed, the CEB, with its unique social mandate, is well placed to support Ukraine’s people throughout the winter and beyond.
The CEB will be able to operate directly in the country as soon as the final phase of the ongoing process for Ukraine to become a member of the Bank is completed.
The CEB has already mobilised its resources to support Ukraine. To date, the we have deployed over €1.3 billion in loans and grants in support of our member countries hosting refugees fleeing the war.
Of the five critical priorities laid out for today’s conference, CEB’s highest value added would be in the area of health & medical care and we are preparing loans of up to €100 million, including in close collaboration with the World Bank.
Moreover, CEB would also help with the provision of essential social services and the rehabilitation of housing.
In addition to loans, the CEB stands ready to provide up to €2 million in grants to meet the urgent needs of internally displaced people.
We look forward to working alongside the Ukrainian authorities and our international partners, guided by the values of the Council of Europe, that I am certain will be recalled by the Secretary General Ms. Burić.
Thank you.