Schulz wants a “Marshall Plan” for Ukraine – DW – 06/28/2022

The seven major democratic powers of the world intend to convene an international conference and launch a kind of “Marshall Plan” for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

In the face of the devastation wrought by the war in Ukraine, the international community faces a “huge task,” German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in his closing speech to the G7 summit held in Elmau Castle in southern Germany. … …

In their closing statement, the G7 leaders also said they were ready “to agree to long-term security commitments to help Ukraine defend itself.” However, the statement did not clarify the nature of these obligations, and Schulze also declined to comment.

As for the reconstruction of Ukraine, Schultz drew a parallel with the Marshall Plan implemented under the direction of the United States, which financed the reconstruction of devastated West Germany after World War II. “The picture of the Marshall Plan is not exaggerated,” Schultz said, adding that this illustrates the “dimensions” of the task at hand.

The closing statement of the G7 summit says that the group supports the holding of an international conference and the reconstruction program for Ukraine.

Planning and implementation of the program, according to the text, should be the responsibility of Ukraine “in close cooperation with international partners”.

“We reiterate our condemnation of Russia’s illegal and unjustified aggressive war against Ukraine,” the statement said. “We will support Ukraine as long as it is necessary, and we will provide the necessary financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for the courageous defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

Fighting hunger in the world

According to Schultz, the second important outcome of the summit is the fight against world hunger, which was exacerbated above all by the Russian war of aggression.

G7 heads of state and government have pledged an additional €4.3 billion to help those most affected by hunger and malnutrition. According to their own data, this year the seven major industrial democracies will provide a total of more than 13 billion euros. According to the United Nations, the equivalent of €44 billion is needed to effectively contain the current food crisis.

In addition, the G7 says it supports all efforts to open Ukrainian ports and create safe grain export corridors. The group also wants to help identify the grain being illegally exported from Ukraine.

Sustainability

Schulz said the G7 also supports the idea of ​​an international “climate club”, which the chancellor says should be established by the end of 2022. The club should aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including their measurement and recording. The aim is to combat the reallocation of production to other countries with less stringent climate requirements.

Another goal should be to transform the industry towards greater sustainability. The seven economic powers, through energy partnerships, want to help the poorest countries with expertise and funds transition to a more sustainable economy.

On Sunday, the summit’s opening day, the Group of Seven announced the launch of a major infrastructure investment plan for developing countries aimed at responding to China’s growing global influence. The initiative, called the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, aims to increase development in low- and middle-income countries and strengthen the planet’s economy, as well as distribution chains.

md / lf (AFP, DPA, Reuters, ots)