Kyiv, 1 April, 2014 – Minister Engström met today with representatives of the Ukrainian government as well as with the civil society of Ukraine to discuss how countries like Sweden can help Ukraine, both on a short-term, immediate basis and on a more long-term basis, to develop into the kind of democratic and prosperous country that people want and have fought so hard for.
The Swedish Government has adopted a new strategy for Swedish development assistance to Eastern Europe for the period 2014-2020. Naturally, there is a substantial focus on Ukraine with an estimated support of at least of 175 million euro for the period.
However, the road to EU integration requires executive and strong decisions. Reforms, sometimes rather painful, will be needed to create a more competitive economy, to strengthen democracy and to develop a society with a greater respect for human rights where the state is governed by the rule of law.
Through the new strategy, the Government of Sweden makes a long-term commitment to continue to provide substantial support to Ukraine. Swedish support will focus on three key result areas.
Two areas have already been in focus since 2009:
1) Strengthened democracy, greater respect for human rights and a more fully developed state under the rule of law
2) A better environment, reduced climate impact and enhanced resilience to environmental impact and climate change
But the new strategy also includes cooperation in one new important area:
3) Enhanced economic integration with the EU and development of a market economy
When it come to the first area,”strengthened democracy, greater respect for human rights and a more fully developed state under the rule of law”, the aim is that together we could achieve concrete results, such as a reduction in gender-based violence, hate crimes and human trafficking.
«We would also like to see our cooperation resulting in that women and men have, to a greater extent, the same power to shape society and their own lives. Sweden has, as you probably know, for long been a driving force in promoting gender equality. And we will continue to do so. Women’s participation in decision-making processes is essential to building and sustaining a true democracy. I was amazed to hear that events at Maidan, showed many brave young women taking the lead in building a new country alongside of men.», said Ms. Engström.
Regarding the area of “a better environment, reduced climate impact and enhanced resilience to environmental impact and climate change”, Sweden would like to continue the focus on more sustainable public services in areas such as waste management, energy efficiency and renewable energy, for the benefit of the whole society. The area of “Enhanced economic integration with the EU and development of market Economy” is a new focus area.
Support to small and medium-sized enterprises is an important part of efforts to promote a favourable business climate, strengthened competitiveness as well as to increase employment, particularly in rural areas and among young people.
Minister has also stressed that all efforts must be based on Ukraine’s own demands and needs and, wherever possible, be coordinated with other donors.
Sweden welcomes the signing of the political parts of the Association Agreement between EU and Ukraine on March 21 and will continue to work towards signing the remaining parts as soon as possible. In the meantime, the most should be made out of the EU-Ukraine political dialogue that will take place in April. It is important that Ukraine sticks to the reform path and it is essential for the future of Ukraine that free and fair presidential election are held May 25. Sweden contributes with a total of 37 election observers through ODIHR:s observation mission.
Sweden also welcomes the agreement between Ukraine and the IMF last week. The Swedish government has also declared itself prepared to examine the conditions for a bilateral loan to Ukraine, as a complement to the one from IMF.