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.

During his 25 June 2026 Gdańsk speech, Donald Tusk says Ukraine's reconstruction involves people and community as well as infrastructure. He endorses Ukraine's wish to be part of a united Europe and argues that genuine unity requires understanding history and willingness to reconcile. Invoking cooperation among European nations once divided by World War II, he appeals to his Polish compatriots, Svyrydenko's Ukrainian compatriots and other Europeans to build their shared future on truth, mutual respect and historical understanding. He calls for openness to the past and especially the future. This is a public reconciliation appeal, not a new legal accession condition or an agreed settlement of a historical dispute.