Parliamentary delegations from CEI Member States gathered in Matera, Italy, on 6-7 February, for the Meeting of the General Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Hon. Salvatore Caiata, Head of the Italian Delegation to the CEI Parliamentary Dimension.
Participants actively contributed to the debate exchanging views on “The role of the CEI in promoting Ukraine's post-war reconstruction” and expressing their share commitment to contributing to the future, long-term international effort for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
The CEI’s assistance and support towards Ukraine were underlined as key elements in promoting solidarity as well as in addressing the regional consequences stemming from the war through regional cooperation.
Keynote speeches were delivered by major Italian authorities, including the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edmondo Cirielli; the Italian Special Envoy for Ukraine’s Reconstruction, Davide La Cecilia; and the CEI National Coordinator for Italy, Sem Fabrizi.
In his speech, Secretary General Franco Dal Mas, highlighted the very delicate moment the European integration process is currently going through and the urgency for a strong boost:
Regional cooperation plays a crucial role in supporting candidate countries, and it is essential that we reaffirm and promote the founding values of Europe, as outlined in the Lisbon Treaty: peace, respect for human rights, justice, equality, and sustainable development.
Ukraine remains at the center of our priorities. We have been active since the beginning of the war, expressing solidarity and condemnation, and we have taken concrete actions through our funds and instruments” emphasised Dal Mas. "The CEI remains deeply committed to supporting Ukraine's recovery and integration into the European community”, he added.
Maksym Kovalenko, the Ukrainian Consul General in Naples, and Dmytro Andriovych Natalukha, President of the Economic Development Committee of the Verkhovna Rada, also contributed to the debate providing some highlights as regards the immediate and long-term needs for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction.
As underlined by Hon. Caiata,
The reconstruction of Ukraine will be a very challenging task requiring a solid synergy between public and private sectors and the cooperation among all CEI countries. The CEI, due to its structure and composition, could highly contribute to this effort.
The key role that Italy could play, within the international community, in terms of reconstruction and stabilization of Ukraine was especially highlighted with reference to the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine which will take place in Rome on 10-11 July 2025.
For more info: fabro@cei.int
