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AFD Group in support of Ukraine: overcoming the urgencies of war and preparing for a European future
At the “Ukraine Recovery Conference” in Berlin on June 11 and 12, 2024, the AFD Group reaffirmed its support for the reconstruction of Ukraine, following the signature of the Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the Group in Ukraine on June 7 at the Élysée Palace in the presence of the Ukrainian and French Presidents. Proparco, AFD Group's subsidiary dedicated to financing and supporting the private sector, announced on June 11 its intention to join the Trade Finance Programme (TFP) of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This program aims to secure Ukraine's international trade and promote its economic recovery.
The conference in Berlin also marked a new significant occasion for Expertise France, another AFD Group’s subsidiary agency on technical cooperation, for foundation of a new Superhumans rehabilitation center in Odesa, aimed at providing complete prosthetics and rehabilitation services for Ukrainians. The agreement was signed in presence of the First Lady of Ukraine and of the Minister of Health of Ukraine. The project will be financially supported by the Government of France in cooperation with Expertise France with total funding of 4 million EUR.
“Expertise France through funding provided by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis Center proudly supports the setup of the Superhumans Center in Odesa, replicating the highly successful model from Lviv. Beyond supporting Ukraine in managing the trauma pathway of care for war-wounded, our collaboration encompasses healthcare force education and training on the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, multiplying effective approaches to support individuals affected by war”, Jeremie Pellet, Chief Executive Officer of Expertise France, said.
Since February 2022, AFD Group, comprising Agence française de développement (AFD), Proparco and Expertise France (EF) has been mobilized in response to the war in Ukraine, contributing to France's support in the conflict.
In March 2022, AFD implemented two budget loans on behalf of the French government for a total of 400 million euros to meet urgent needs. AFD also intervened in Moldova, where there was a massive influx of Ukrainian refugees, by supporting three NGOs that took care of them.
Expertise France, already present in Ukraine since 2006, has redirected part of its activities to meet the challenges posed by the Russian war of aggression. It is implementing technical assistance programs to support reconstruction and reform in the context of the European Union (EU) accession process. Finally, it carries out operations that contribute to resilience, particularly in the health sector.
Finally, in the private sector, Proparco has invested nearly $20 million since 2022 in a fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises.
AFD Group's global support for Ukraine: immediate action and long-term commitments
Today, AFD Group's goal is to become a long-term partner for Ukrainian public and private institutions in the service of the country's development. Through its three subsidiaries, the Group intends to deploy all its instruments in response to the priority needs expressed by its Ukrainian partners in order to support the country in the coming years, to deal with the emergencies of war and to prepare for a sustainable future by supporting the country's accession to the European Union (EU).
To this end, AFD Group's work in Ukraine will focus on both quick impact actions and long-term projects. In Ukrainian cities and regions, we will support efforts to restore essential services, rebuild and improve the quality of life of residents through urban services and housing, while moving towards sustainable practices. Civil society actors will be supported in their daily efforts to accompany the most vulnerable populations and consolidate social ties in order to cope with the effects of the war and participate in economic, social and environmental reconstruction. AFD Group also intends to support the Ukrainian private sector, which plays an essential role in the country's economic resilience and its long-term ability to ensure the prosperity of its population by developing economic partnerships with European countries.
About AFD Group :
AFD Group contributes to the implementation of France's sustainable development and international solidarity policies. Comprising Agence française de développement (AFD), responsible for financing the public sector and NGOs, research and training, its subsidiary Proparco, dedicated to financing and supporting the private sector, and Expertise France, a technical cooperation agency, the Group finances, supports and accelerates the transitions needed for a fairer, more resilient world.
With and for people, we work with our partners to build shared solutions in more than 150 countries and 11 French overseas departments and territories. Our goal? To reconcile economic development with the preservation of common goods such as climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality, education and health. Our teams are involved in more than 4,800 projects on the ground, contributing to France's and the French people's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For a world in common.
Press contact :
Gabriel Jacquet / jacquetg@afd.fr