Speaking at the 7th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum in Berlin on December 11, Scholz highlighted Ukraine’s irreversible course toward European integration and noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve any of his war objectives.
Key Messages from Chancellor Scholz
Ukraine’s Future in the EU: Scholz underscored that Ukraine is on a trajectory to become a member of the European Union, making current and future investments particularly strategic.
“If you invest in Ukraine today and in the coming years, you are investing in a future EU member,” Scholz stated.
Energy Sector Investment: He pointed out that Ukraine’s energy sector is in need of significant investment to rebuild and modernize its infrastructure, further reinforcing the long-term potential and importance of external capital inflows.
Comparison to Eastern European Economies: Scholz drew parallels between Ukraine’s potential economic growth after the war and the transformative development seen in Eastern European countries that joined the EU following the Soviet Union’s collapse.
“After the war, we will see growth rates and development opportunities in Ukraine,” he added.
Support for a Just Peace
The German leader reiterated Berlin’s backing for Kyiv’s aspirations to achieve a “just peace” that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and freedom to determine its future within a European context.
While acknowledging that Ukraine’s path to EU membership is lengthy, Scholz assured that Germany would accompany Ukraine on this journey until its accession to the bloc is realized.
Economic Indicators and Resistance to Aggression
Despite the challenges of war, Scholz highlighted positive economic indicators:
Growing Trade and Investment: Trade volume between Germany and Ukraine is projected to reach nearly €10 billion in 2023, and approximately 2,000 German companies are actively operating in Ukraine.
Resilience Against Russian Objectives: The chancellor stressed that Putin’s efforts to economically cripple Ukraine have not succeeded, as evidenced by the country’s continued GDP growth and expanding business ties with international partners.
“Putin wants to destroy Ukraine economically. He will not achieve this military goal either,” Scholz wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Conclusion
Chancellor Scholz’s remarks not only reaffirm Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s path towards the EU and post-war economic recovery, but also serve as an invitation to global investors. By investing in Ukraine now, businesses and governments position themselves to benefit from Ukraine’s future within the European Union, demonstrating confidence in the nation’s resilience, growth potential, and strategic importance.
