On Thursday, February 15, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB), hosted the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, attracting over 400 attendees both in-person and online. The event featured opening remarks from Mr. George Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Kostas Fragogiannis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, portfolio of Economic Diplomacy and Openness, Mr. Oleh Nemchinov, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, and Mr. Kyriacos Kakouris, Vice-President, European Investment Bank (EIB).
The discussion was organised around three thematic sessions: “The road ahead for the reconstruction of Ukraine”, “The Greek entrepreneurial presence in Ukraine”, “Cooperation opportunities”. The Conference concluded with a comprehensive recap of key findings and crucial takeaways for charting the path forward, delivered by the Secretary General for International Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Maira Myrogianni.
The Conference was followed by a Workshop for Greek companies on financing opportunities with the European Investment Bank, presented by Mr. Ioannis Kaltsas, Head of Investment Team for Greece-Cyprus Directorate, European Investment Bank (EIB) and other EIB experts.
The full Conference programme is available here
The collective message from the speakers emphasised several key points:
- The significant potential of the Greek business community to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.
- The crucial role of partnerships between Greek companies and local stakeholders.
- The necessity for coordinated efforts among Greek stakeholders and a structured response backed by the Greek Government to address the substantial reconstruction needs.
- The importance of sustaining reforms within the Ukrainian Government to foster a business-friendly environment, focusing on transparency and combating corruption.
Key challenges identified during the discussions included:
- Increased business risk and uncertainty about the future
- Human resources constraints, including shortages of skilled labor due to conscription, concerns about staff safety, and travel restrictions.
Participants were briefed on specific areas of reconstruction where Greek companies possess comparative advantages and expertise. Additionally, information was provided on financing options for investment and commercial activities through international financial institutions, which presented relevant proposals and products during the conference.
Available presentations from Conference speakers:
Ms. Katarína Mathernová, Ambassador of European Union to Ukraine
Mr. Sven Röben, Head of Ukraine Team, EIB Global, European Investment Bank
Ms. Oksana Myronko, Head of Communications, European Business Association (EBA)
Mr. Ioannis Kyriakopoulos, CEO, Piraeus Bank ICB, subsidiary bank of Piraeus Financial Holdings