At the international conference on the restoration of Ukraine in Lugano, Switzerland, the principles and estimates of the restoration of our country were announced.
The Head of the ILI Tetiana Khutor took part in the conference to discuss the areas of work of the Institute's team.
The forum was attended by high-ranking officials and representatives of more than 40 countries and more than 20 international organisations.
The event was opened by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy via video link. He stressed that this conference and its decisions could be the first big step towards the victory of the democratic world. According to the Head of State, Ukraine is proposing its national reconstruction plan, which can be used to rationally use funds.
Head of the ILI Tetiana Khutor during the speech of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the conference in Lugano
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, in turn, noted that Ukraine's recovery plan is already estimated at $750 billion.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during the conference in Lugano
The head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, supported this thesis. He said that the mechanism proposed by Ukraine involves the use of Russian assets located abroad to pay compensation. Ukraine insists that this mechanism should operate in full compliance with the rule of law.
"According to generally accepted principles, violation of international law entails an obligation to pay reparations.Therefore, the reconstruction of Ukraine should be carried out primarily at the expense of the aggressor. That is why Ukraine has proposed to conclude an international treaty that would create a special compensation mechanism. It should allow compensation for the damage caused by the Russian war to Ukraine and Ukrainians at the expense of the aggressor,’ Yermak said.
Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak speaking at a conference in Lugano. Photo: Press service of the Presidential Office
TheInstitute of Legislative Ideas is researching the mechanism of confiscation of assets of Russians and Belarusians. In particular, we analysed draft law No. 7194 to identify risks that may become the basis for future appeals in courts. The team of the Institute of Legislative Ideas also conducted a general analysis of the vetoed draft law, taking into account the new changes proposed by the President in the format of advantages and disadvantages/risks .
We have also prepared recommendations that will help minimise risks during the recovery of Ukraine's infrastructure, housing stock and economy.
In our view, the recovery should be based on the following principles:
1. Removing the state from the key role of managing foreign funds and creating a Fund based on the best European practices.
2. Introduce accountability and transparency already during the transition period. Ensure a unified approach to the Fund's work and use of funds.
3. Publicity of the recovery process and public control.
Detailed recommendations on steps to minimise corruption risks can be found here.
The conference resulted in the Declaration on the Reconstruction of Ukraine.
The declaration contains key principles that define the criteria and methods of recovery:
- Partnership. Ukraine will lead the recovery process and implement it together with international partners.
- Focus on reforms.
- Transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
- Democratic participation.
- Multi-stakeholder engagement.
- Gender equality and inclusion.
- Sustainable development.