Is Europe able to support Ukraine so much because it has managed in the war with Russia, and at the same time rebuilt and modernized the economy now – during peace, without America’s support? Among others This is why the European Union created Ukraine Facility, an instrument for Ukraine worth EUR 50 billion. Prof. Marek Belka talked about the role of this great program during the 17th edition of the Baltic Business Forum organized by the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce. In the DGP and Forsal.pl studio, we asked him about the importance of the current and planned help provided to the fighting country – for Ukraine itself, but also for Europe waking up from lethargy.
Help for Ukraine: Europe plays a key role
– We often underestimate the value of help that came to Ukraine from European countries, mainly from the EU. This has recently been calculated, it can be said in a counterpote to Donald Trump, who speaks offensive about European assistance for Ukraine – and a hundred and several dozen billion euros came out, which is more than the US help so far in the reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine – emphasizes prof. Marek Belka. He points out that not only EU countries are involved in the support of the victim of Russian aggression, but still important countries from outside the Union, such as Türkiye or Great Britain.
– Europe has competences, money and experience, so in the area of economy and the creation of new structures of the Ukrainian state, its role is crucial. However, in military issues, the broadly understood American military assistance is very important in the current situation – admits the professor. He adds that nobody knows what the policy of Donald Trump will be tomorrow – because it can change from day to day, and even from hour to hour. That is why also a great activity can be seen in the military security field – however, it is a process that requires time.
– We see that Russia is ready and has resources to continue aggression, so it is important to lead to some kind of suspension of weapons. Give a respite to Ukrainians, but also give time to Europe, whose military potential is huge, much greater than Russian, and similar to American. You just have to want. I think Europe already wants. The office of a security commissioner was created and this is not – God forbid – replacing NATO, but the necessary coordination in the reconstruction and creation of the European defense industry – emphasizes prof. Marek Belka.
He points out that Poland is in a special situation: as a neighborhood or introduction country, we are ready – as a state and society – spend more money on the army than, for example, the society of Spain or Portugal. At the same time, we are greatly supported by the effort of individual countries and the effort of the entire Union to build a strong European defense industry. The Ukrainian case and the American attitude stimulates us all to real and quick actions – and above all close cooperation, thanks to which the entire Union, including Poland, will become much stronger.
Help for Ukraine: Construction of institutions and the fight against corruption
We also talk to the former prime minister about the modernization of Ukraine, including building a state based on law and democratic values, eliminating pathologies resulting from oligarchy and corruption. – Poland has its own experience in limiting corruption and building institutions, and above all in changing human consciousness and human attitudes, which is absolutely crucial in the system transformation. Ukrainians, in which certain things have been sitting not since communism, but tsarism, have seriously built the construction of institutions that are to fight corruption and other negative phenomena. Much depends on the implementation of the law – we try to help in all this using Polish experiences – describes prof. Marek Belka.
He describes his role as the head of the audit council of the Ukrainian Facility instrument as a “good policeman” – who is to help Ukraine in the correct, in accordance with EU principles and standards, the use of European aid funds (PLN 50 billion). Part of the launched amount is just used to adapt the administration and institutions in Ukraine to EU legal realities.
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