Ivan Bartoš, Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalisation and Minister for Regional Development, discussed the Russian aggression in Ukraine and its impact on European regions and cities with representatives of the European Committee of the Regions. The meeting was also attended by the Mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko. Cohesion policy is proving to be the best aid instrument to respond to immediate needs on the ground. The Committee also began to discuss plans for rapid and effective post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.
"In August, the Czech Republic commemorated the anniversary of the 1968 Soviet occupation in light of the war in Ukraine. We should continue to support the invaded country in its efforts to preserve peace. Russian aggression affects our work in every possible way and brings uncertainty about the future. But I believe it can also have a positive impact on our ability to stand together and work more effectively together to support all European regions to be stronger, more resilient and self-reliant," were the opening words of Ivan Bartoš, Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalisation and Minister for Regional Development. "The Czech Republic will strive to make it easier for European regions and cities to access EU funds to tackle the current crises. We need to accelerate the transition to safe and sustainable energy, which is one of the options for reducing Europe's dependence on Russian resources," the minister said.
"As in all crises, regions and cities are on the front line to face the consequences of the war against Ukraine. We are grateful to the Czech Presidency for its support and also for its leadership in creating European solutions. Too many people are worried about inflation and rising energy bills. We must act quickly to ensure that European solidarity is not compromised by the cold," said Vasco Alves Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions.
The war in Ukraine has an economic and social impact on regions and cities in the European Union. In particular, the economic consequences in terms of energy supply are very serious. As has emerged from the discussions on cohesion policy, it is EU funds that can help to solve these problems. The Czech Republic will therefore use all the flexibility provided by European legislation to help complete ongoing projects and provide beneficiaries with tools to ease their current difficult situation. These requirements are already being processed in the FAST-CARE proposal currently being discussed by the European Parliament.
The roundtable also discussed plans for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, including the reconstruction of critical infrastructure and the provision of basic services. This will require international cooperation and a sound strategy. The Czech Republic has a draft Recovery Plan for Ukraine that was prepared by the government there. My ministry is involved in the section on Construction, Urban Planning, Modernisation of Cities and Regions, which experts are currently evaluating.