EU Commission chief unveils five pillars for Ukraine’s recovery

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled key details of the "prosperity plan" for Ukraine at an extraordinary EU summit overnight on January 22–23, developed in cooperation with the United States. 

Von der Leyen said the plan is built on five main pillars designed to support Ukraine's recovery and development after the war, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

“As you know, the security guarantees we discussed, including at the Paris meeting on January 6, have made good progress, and now we are waiting for a response from Russia,” von der Leyen noted, adding that an agreement between Ukraine and the United States on a unified, joint prosperity system is close to being finalised.

“It seems we can boost Ukraine’s prosperity as soon as a ceasefire or peace is achieved,” the European Commission President suggested.

Building on that outlook, Von der Leyen outlined the EU’s vision for Ukraine’s post-war future, describing it as a single, comprehensive document representing the shared perspective of Ukrainians, Americans, and Europeans. The plan is built on a World Bank needs assessment and revolves around five core pillars.

The first pillar focuses on boosting productivity through business-friendly reforms and stronger market competition. 

The second aims to accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the EU single market by reforming key economic sectors. 

The third emphasises a major increase in investment, with an investment framework already established under the EU Ukraine Fund. 

The fourth pillar targets improved donor coordination, combining public funds and private investments through instruments like the Donor Platform for Ukraine, which unites G7 countries, the European Commission, and other partners. 

The fifth pillar calls for fundamental reforms, including strengthening the rule of law, intensifying anti-corruption efforts, and modernising public administration.

She also highlighted that, as Russian attacks escalate, the EU is ramping up support: “This week we are delivering 447 emergency generators to restore electricity to hospitals, shelters, and critical services.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada