The conservative government donates another SEK 6 billion to Ukraine. This time the money will be used for the reconstruction of the country and is called “the largest bilateral aid strategy in Sweden’s history”. The ultimate goal is for Ukraine to become a member of the EU.
– This is a start, the total amount will increase, said Johan Forssell (M), Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, at a press conference.
The money will be channeled through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Folke Bernadotte Academy until 2027 and, according to Forssell, “this work cannot wait until the war is over”.
The focus is on building the Ukrainian infrastructure – both the purely technical infrastructure and the “democratic” infrastructure, where Sweden will help in various ways to strengthen civil society and improve the living conditions of the civilian population.
The stated purpose of the assistance package is to further facilitate Ukraine’s rapprochement with the EU and eventual membership in the supranational union.
– It is part of a stated ambition that Ukraine will one day, hopefully very soon, be able to become a full member of the EU when it meets the requirements. Our view is that they have come a long way in a short time and under very difficult conditions, says Forssell.
– The strategy will contribute to building and reforming cooperation in Ukraine, with the overall goal of EU integration. We want to see not one, but two blue and yellow flags flying in Kiev.
So far, Sweden has supported Ukraine with at least SEK 22 billion of taxpayers’ money, but it is unclear what the total amount will be in the end.
– The largest bilateral aid strategy in Sweden’s history, the minister proudly confirms.
– No priority is more important at the moment, he continues.
