Banker, Politician and EU Official: An Open Dialogue on Ukraine’s Future

This was discussed at the panel “The European Partnership for the Integration and Reconstruction of Ukraine” במסגרת the largest Ukrainian forum in Germany — Café Kyiv.

The panelists — representing the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the EIB — addressed the audience's most pressing questions. The discussion went beyond mere figures and billions for reconstruction, focusing instead on the actual mechanisms of Ukraine's integration into the European family, where every step is a shared responsibility and an open dialogue.

Manica Hauptman, Head of Unit Political Team, Representation of the European Commission in Germany, emphasized that the path to EU membership is a marathon, not a sprint. “We have clear rules of the game: reforms are not a ‘homework assignment’ for Brussels, but the foundation of a future secure Ukraine. Our goal is an integration that stands the test of time,” she noted.

Vyacheslav Ovechkin, Loan Officer Ukraine Team in European Investment Bank, added a practical dimension, stating that investments cannot wait for the war to end. The EIB is already financing critical infrastructure—from restoring power grids to supporting municipal transport—because the economy must function "here and now."

Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, Member of the European Parliament in 2019-2024 shifted the focus to internal resilience, highlighting the crucial role of civil society. In her view, active public oversight and reform transparency are the best safeguards against corruption and the only way to ensure European aid reaches every local community. The politician also emphasized that Ukraine is not just a recipient of aid, but a future provider of security and digital innovation for the entire European Union.