Ukraine Recovery Conference

Federal Councillor Sommaruga attended the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano on 4 July. The conference was organised by Switzerland. A core objective was to design a framework for the political process of reconstruction. At the conference, Federal Councillor Sommaruga took part in a panel discussion on the importance of rebuilding infrastructure. She also signed a climate agreement with Ukrainian Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets.

04.07.2022

President Cassis, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Shmyhal open URC2022

The attack launched by Russia on Ukraine on 24 February has caused immeasurable human suffering. In addition, countless buildings, power grids and water pipes have been damaged or completely destroyed; railway lines, bridges and even ports are no longer usable. It is estimated that about a third of Ukraine's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.

However, every country is dependent on efficient infrastructure to supply people with electricity, water and heating, connect cities and regions by rail and road, and enable goods to be transported. The Ukraine Recovery Conference taking place in Lugano on 4 and 5 July serves as an international kick-off for the recovery process in Ukraine.

The business and science community and civil society can support the war-ravaged country to rebuild sustainably in various ways. In the area of infrastructure, Switzerland can also contribute to reconstruction through the know-how and expertise of its companies.

Signing of the Climate Agreement

Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga and Ukrainian Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets signed a climate agreement on 4 July. The agreement mobilises funds in addition to those available through international cooperation and enables climate protection that goes beyond existing programmes, thereby strengthening Ukraine's climate-friendly development.

Signing of a climate agreement — © KEYSTONE/EDA/Alessandro della Valle

Bilateral talks

Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga held various bilateral talks during the conference. She spoke with the Ukrainian Environment Minister about the new bilateral climate agreement and the enormous environmental challenges facing the country, such as supplying the population with drinking water.

The talks with Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko focused on challenges regarding energy supply in Ukraine and Europe. And the talks with Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov covered the current obstacles in the transport of agricultural products and longer-term challenges in the transport sector.