Bombed Building in Borodyanka (Source: Pexels.com - CC0 No Attribution Required)
Introduction
The Government of Ukraine in coordination with a wide range of partners has begun the planning process for postwar recovery and reconstruction. Discussions are also underway to ensure the future security of Ukraine.
Recovery and Reconstruction
Ukraine Recovery Conference 4–5 July 2022, Lausanne Switzerland
Ukraine and Switzerland initiated in Lugano a broad-based political process for the recovery of Ukraine. According to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal the cost of recovery is an estimated USD 750 billion.
Ukraine’s National Recovery Plan (National Recovery Council, July 2022)
Presented at the Ukraine Recovery Conference on July 4 in Lausanne, Switzerland the plan lays out a $750 billion process for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
“On June 15, the European Commission recommended granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership, and on June 24, the European Council granted Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership. These events determine the direction and pace of work in the field of European integration for the future and make European integration one of the most urgent tasks in the postwar reconstruction of Ukraine. The purpose of this section of the Recovery Plan is to make Ukraine meet the criteria for full membership and readiness to join the EU.”
National Council for the Recovery of Ukraine from the War: Working Groups (Government of Ukraine)
“In accordance with the Presidential Decree No. 266/2022 dated April 21, 2022, the National Council for the Recovery of Ukraine from the Consequences of the War, within the framework of 24 working groups, developed a plan of measures for the post-war recovery and development of Ukraine, a list of proposals for priority reforms and strategic initiatives, drafts of legal acts , the adoption and implementation of which are necessary for the effective work and recovery of Ukraine during war and post-war periods.”
“The Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group and the European Commission in cooperation with development partners, launched a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA). Following an internationally accepted methodology, the RDNA aimed to assess the impact of the war on the population, human development, service delivery, physical assets, infrastructure, productive sectors and the economy. For the purpose of this assessment, damage from the war between February 24 and June 1, 2022, is included, verified to the extent possible, and assessed. The RDNA results are preliminary, and damage, losses and needs should be considered as minimums. As the war continues, the social and economic impact will further increase and intensify. However, there is a need to start reconstruction and recovery now where it is safe and practical to do so.”
A Blueprint for the Reconstruction of Ukraine (Centre for Economic Policy, 2022)
“The Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) is a network of over 1,600 research economists based mostly in European universities. Designed to give an overview of a possible reconstruction project for Ukraine.”
“ReStart Ukraine is open to citizens, activists, architects, designers, researchers, anthropologists, municipalities, NGOs, international organizations, government departments, private business and anyone who would like to contribute to the task of restoring the war-torn urban fabric. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive platform that would concentrate expertise around the key steps for rebuilding Ukrainian cities.”
Security
“Ukraine is on the path to EU membership and as a future EU member will benefit from the EU’s own mutual defence clause. Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO and benefit from its mutual defence arrangements is safeguarded in its Constitution. This aspiration is the sovereign decision of Ukraine. Both NATO and EU membership will significantly bolster Ukraine’s security in the long-term. However, Ukraine needs security guarantees now. These guarantees should enable Ukraine’s self-defence both to deter an armed attack or act of aggression (deterrence by denial), and – in case an attack occurs – to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Ukraine (deterrence by punishment). The Kyiv Security Compact will fulfil this purpose by mobilising the necessary political, financial, military, and diplomatic resources for Ukraine’s self-defence. The Compact will consist of a joint strategic partnership document co-signed by guarantor states and Ukraine (as well as bilateral agreements between Ukraine and guarantor states).”