Luxembourg Receives Ukrainian PM, Reaffirms Support

On Tuesday 19 March 2024, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, paid a working visit to Luxembourg; among other representatives of the Luxembourgish government, His Royal Highness the Grand Duke received him in audience at the Grand Ducal Palace.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal was accompanied by the Ukrainian Minister of Finance, Sergii Marchenko, the Minister of Justice, Denys Maliuska, and the Deputy Minister of Economy, Taras Kachka.

The aim of the visit was to reiterate the support and solidarity of the Luxembourg government for Ukraine as the Russian war of aggression against Kyiv enters its third year. Luxembourg has reaffirmed it will continue to provide substantial aid to Ukraine to enable it to exercise its right to self-defence, to cope with the humanitarian and economic consequences of the war and ensure accountability for the crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, while supporting Kyiv on the path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Ukrainian Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, was first received by Prime Minister Luc Frieden for a meeting at Senningen Castle. During this bilateral meeting, Luc Frieden stressed that "in this complex geopolitical situation, it is particularly important to strengthen relations with Ukraine, which defends our freedoms and values. Luxembourg stands with Ukraine and will continue to provide political and financial support, as well as military and humanitarian aid". The Prime Minister added that "the defence of international law, security and stability in Europe are at stake. Luxembourg and the people of Luxembourg are by your side. Both today in the face of Russian aggression and in the long term for the reconstruction of your country".

Following the meeting, the two heads of government had the opportunity to continue their discussions during an official lunch attended by Luxembourg’s Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth, and the Minister of Justice, Elisabeth Margue. Key topics of discussion included the current situation in Ukraine, Luxembourg's support for Ukraine and relations between Ukraine and the European Union and NATO.

Prime Minister Shmyhal was also received by the Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Xavier Bettel, for a working meeting at the Mansfeld building. Vice Prime Minister Bettel reaffirmed Luxembourg's continued support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, recalling the condemnation of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea ten years ago as well as Russia's organisation of so-called "elections" in Ukrainian territories.

The signature of a technical and financial cooperation agreement between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Ukraine by Minister Bettel and Prime Minister Shmyhal also strengthened bilateral relations. This agreement establishes the conditions for the implementation by the Lux-Development agency of a bilateral support programme for Ukraine's recovery.

Denys Shmyhal was also welcomed by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler, and met the President of the European Investment Bank, Nadia Calviño.

EIB President Nadia Calviño welcomed Prime Minister Shmyhal to the EIB headquarters. The meeting facilitated discussions on the progress of ongoing projects and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ukrhydroenergo, Ukraine’s main supplier of renewable energy which has suffered as a result of the war, including due to the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. The European Investment Bank (EIB) noted it has provided €2 billion for emergency infrastructure repairs in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country. EIB also added it will provide further support as a key implementing partner of the European Union’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility and the EIB’s EU for Ukraine Fund.

The MoU particularly highlighted the intent to support the rehabilitation and maintenance of the country’s hydropower generation. A loan of an estimated €100 million for this purpose is under consideration, with final approval from the EIB yet to be secured.