Gdańsk recovery conference Funding, reforms, security

Jun 25

TSN and Radio Svoboda's Zoriana Stepanenko report the fifth Ukraine Recovery Conference opening in Gdańsk amid a Ukrainian-Polish historical dispute. The lead recalls Kaczyński's intention to return a decoration. Tusk and Merz invoke reconciliation; Svyrydenko thanks Poland and advocates collective rebuilding. The correspondent anticipates over 150 agreements worth more than €10 billion; the recap gives over 160. Von der Leyen discusses Ukrainian innovation and EU-accession confidence. Merz describes the launched European Flagship Fund, up to €220 million of initial public support, private investment, risk sharing and reforms. Ukraine has received a €3.2 billion first EU-loan tranche, later tranches depend on anti-corruption progress and drone money is forthcoming. Babiš stresses security before rebuilding; Banga estimates $580 billion of needs over a decade and advocates risk protection, energy reforms and privatization despite uncertainty. Zelenskyy did not address the open session; the conference is due to end June 26.

At Gdańsk on June 25, von der Leyen announces that the first €3.2 billion macro-financial-assistance tranche of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan is being transferred that day. She presents the loan as further support over two years and says the first money from €6 billion for drone production will start in the coming days, urging partners to sustain support. The €3.2 billion transfer announcement and prospective drone-funding continuation are kept distinct in status; neither the whole €90 billion nor the whole drone package is reported transferred. TSN describes the first tranche as received and reports that further payments depend on anti-corruption progress. Inter relays the present tranche and prospective €6bn drone component. Vremya reports the same first transfer while criticizing monitoring, alleging corruption and citing ARD reporting on weapons diversion; its allegations and evaluation remain attributed and are not established findings about this loan's expenditure.