Zelensky meets president of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Kyiv

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud-Basso, who arrived in Kyiv.

This was reported by the press service of the head of state, Rubryka writes.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to the EBRD for its constant and firm support to Ukraine in countering the full-scale Russian invasion and the bank's financing of projects for the development of Ukraine.

Zelensky noted that even during the war, investments are coming to the country, but their volumes must be much more significant for recovery and stable economic development.

"If we have a reliable air defense system and jobs, people will return to Ukraine even now, while the war is ongoing. Our country will not only fight for its freedom but will also continue to live," the head of state said.

According to him, Ukraine is interested in continuing cooperation with the EBRD, in particular in:

• the field of energy security,
• trade financing,
• support of critical infrastructure and municipalities,
• food security,
• the corporate sector, etc.

In addition, Zelensky emphasized the need to strengthen the financing of projects in the private sector and attract additional private capital to restore the country.

In turn, the EBRD president noted that Ukraine's economy has stabilized and continues to work in a significant part of the country's territory.

She spoke about negotiations with the Ukrainian government and the prime minister regarding preparing the country for winter.

"We will continue to support Ukrenergo in building air defense. We are also working with Naftogaz to ensure large gas reserves. In addition, we have a project with Ukrhydroenergo. And we will continue to finance Ukrzaliznytsia and transportation," said Odile Renault-Basso.

According to her, the bank intends to focus on projects in the private sector, particularly on increasing agriculture production capacity. The EBRD also cooperates with banks in financing small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in risk insurance.

Odile Reno-Basso also informed that the EBRD is working on increasing its authorized capital, which will enable additional financing to be directed to reconstruct Ukraine.

Reference

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna discussed with EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso the strengthening and development of institutional capacities for Ukraine's preparation for EU membership, particularly the holding of accession negotiations.

We will remind you that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is preparing a railway restoration project, for the implementation of which €200 million will be involved.

It was also reported that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) changed the purpose of the existing loan for the State Agency for Reconstruction and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (formerly Ukravtodor). €182 million will be directed to the modernization of the road between Lviv and Rava-Ruska on the border with Poland.