Statement by Governor Monticelli at Ukraine Recovery Conference (Berlin, 12 June 2024)

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First of all, I would like to thank the German authorities for having organised this event to ensure that the international community continues to rally around Ukraine.

The Council of Europe Development Bank, the CEB, is proud to be part of this international effort. We are also proud to serve as Ukraine’s partner of choice for social investment.

Yesterday, we signed our first loan agreements: one with the Ministry of Health for a project known as HEAL; and the other with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, for project called HOME. Each of the loans is for an amount of €100 million.

The HEAL project deploys instrumental resources for meeting urgent health needs, including the provision of mental health and rehabilitation services. These services are more necessary now than ever before.

The HOME project finances compensation for destroyed housing, helping thousands of displaced people from Ukraine find a new home and a new footing in life.

Ukraine became a CEB member state less than a year ago. I am particularly proud that these loan agreements have been finalised so quickly. We owe this remarkable result to the ownership and determination of the Ukrainian authorities as well as the CEB’s agility and efficiency.

But this is just the beginning. At this conference, the CEB is also signing two Joint Statements. One with the Ministry of Social Policy and the Ministry for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development.

These Joint Statements embody our shared commitment to deepen our cooperation in two areas which are key to the recovery and future prosperity of Ukraine: housing and human capital. In both areas, the CEB is making grant resources available to finance urgent actions. Particularly noteworthy here is the partnership to develop and deliver psychosocial services at the community level.

To rebuild their lives, feel part of society and contribute to recovery efforts, people need a place to call home. They must also have access to essential services and infrastructure for their health, education, and well-being. This is why investment in social sectors is indispensable for creating the conditions for people to be able to return home, and for society to be just and inclusive.

The CEB is eager to work alongside Ukraine on these urgent priorities, and stands ready to deploy additional financing. We are proud to be part of the international effort to stand by Ukraine in defence of its freedom, which is after all the freedom of us all.