Vice PM Stefanishyna: Germany remains one of Ukraine's most long-standing partners

A corresponding statement was made by Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Government portal.

In particular, during these talks, Ukraine's integration into the EU, ensuring the rule of law, improving the business climate, carrying out decentralization reform and other issues were discussed.

Stefanishyna thanked the partners for praising the reforms and the provided support and stressed that Germany remained one of Ukraine's largest and most long-standing partners.

"These talks attest to the success of our cooperation. We have a full understanding on most issues. Despite the pandemic, the level of support from Germany (expert, political and financial) remains high. Our trade relations are evidence of close cooperation. At year-end 2019, Germany was Ukraine's major trading partner among European countries. Ukraine is set to continue to use the opportunities offered by the transformation of our economy and further integration into the EU," she said.

Stefanishyna noted that joint efforts and deepening of Ukraine-Germany cooperation are even more critical under the existing circumstances.

Currently, 24 technical assistance projects are implemented in Ukraine with the support of the Government of Germany. In total, Germany has provided technical and financial assistance to the tune of EUR 568 million since 2014.

"The Government is working to create equal and fair rules of the game for all, to deregulate and remove various barriers to economic activity both within the country and with the EU. Economic development and increasing investment attractiveness is a necessary condition for Ukraine's development," Vice PM Stefanishyna said.

As noted, decentralization, energy efficiency, sustainable economic growth, public administration, assistance to victims of hostilities and fight against COVID-19 are among the priority areas of cooperation.

For its part, the German side welcomed Ukraine’s decisive steps in the fight against corruption, praising the launch of the High Anti-Corruption Court, the introduction of a number of digital solutions and customs reform, but also expressed concern about the Constitutional Court’s decision on electronic asset declarations and stressed the need for systemic solutions.

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