Press releases, 20.01.2022

At an online event on 20 January, in preparation for the fifth Ukraine Reform Conference (URC) to be held in Lugano this summer, President Ignazio Cassis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy set out their expectations for the conference. During a discussion with Swiss and Ukrainian business representatives, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal addressed the topic of reforms for investment in Ukraine.

«As the host of the Ukraine Reform Conference, Switzerland can contribute to stability and prosperity in Europe. As a longstanding partner of Ukraine, I am pleased that we have an opportunity to support the country on its path to reform,» stated President Cassis. «The direct exchanges between the Ukrainian authorities and investors at this online event should provide an opportunity to discuss mutual expectations and common goals.»

«I believe that the Conference in Lugano should become a platform for a wide discussion with our partners and business on how we can strengthen the resilience of Ukraine and accelerate its transformation. Since successful Ukraine, which is integrated into the European market, is the key to a successful and strong Europe», explained President Zelenskyy.

Issues covered during the panel discussion included economic relations, economic policy reforms and Ukraine's statutory framework for investment. The conference is to take place in Lugano on 4 and 5 July under the banner 'URC2022 – Reforms for All, All for Reforms'. This underscores the fact that the long-term success of the reforms in Ukraine depends on inclusiveness and shared responsibility among the central, regional and local authorities, but also the private sector and civil society.

The international community intends to support these reforms. The URC also provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss the next steps in the reform process. While there are other forums for addressing the issues of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the work of the URC focuses on political, economic and social reforms in the country. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Shmyhal and around three dozen international delegations, representatives of the private sector and civil society are expected to attend URC2022.

Thursday's online event replaced the physical meeting that was due to be held on the fringes of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos. Several further preparatory meetings are set to take place in Ukraine and in other countries in the run-up to the ministerial conference as part of the 'On the road to Lugano' process. This year, Switzerland and Ukraine are celebrating their 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.


Further information:

Ukraine Reform Conference (en)
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Ukraine


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