200 million euros from Spain. Funds for the modernization of energy and infrastructure
20 February 18:43
The Spanish Office for the Reconstruction of Ukraine has allocated an additional €200 million for energy and infrastructure modernization projects. This was discussed during a meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development and the head of the office, Clara Guzmán Saperter, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The press service of the Ministry of Development noted that the Office for the Reconstruction of Ukraine will operate on a “single window” principle for Spanish private companies.
During the meeting, attention was paid to the introduction of new mechanisms for preferential long-term lending, grant support, and technical assistance. According to the Ministry of Development, this should create favorable conditions for attracting Spanish businesses to implement strategic projects in Ukraine.
“We highly appreciate Spain’s significant contribution to supporting Ukraine, which already exceeds €845 million. The creation of a specialized Office for Reconstruction and the allocation of an additional €200 million for the modernization of energy and infrastructure is an important step towards strengthening the participation of Spanish businesses in these processes. We are ready to jointly identify priority projects so that these funds are used with maximum social impact for the needs of Ukrainian infrastructure reconstruction,” said First Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development Alona Shkrum.
The Ministry of Development proposed that Spanish partners support investment projects in the fields of energy and logistics. These are priority initiatives with a high degree of readiness, which the Spanish side and the private sector in particular can participate in financing. During the meeting, the plans and priorities of the Ministry of Development and the Recovery Agency were presented. A separate approach is being taken for frontline regions, which should be the primary recipients of grant and technical assistance.
Spain’s experience in decentralization and establishing clear interaction between the national and regional levels is extremely valuable for Ukraine. The parties are currently preparing to sign intergovernmental agreements (G2G), which will become the legal platform for the implementation of specific sectoral projects for reconstruction and development.
“Today, the G2G format is an opportunity for us to quickly address critical challenges. Whether it is the supply of cogeneration plants for the energy sustainability of communities or the construction of new strategic roads to the western borders. We are ready to work with foreign businesses on specific cases, using G2G as a reliable tool for attracting investment,” said Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development Marina Denisyuk.
The key mission of the Spanish Office for the Reconstruction of Ukraine is to promote and coordinate the resources necessary for the reconstruction, reform, and modernization of Ukraine, as well as to strengthen the participation of Spain and its businesses in these processes. The possibility of opening a branch of the Office directly in Ukraine is also currently being considered.
