Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) in Lugano on 4–5 July 2022

The conference was co-organised by Ukraine and Switzerland. With the URC2022 conference, Switzerland has shown its support for the only country on the European continent currently affected by armed conflict. Prior to Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Switzerland was the fifth largest bilateral donor in Ukraine, which is also one of the few countries where the Swiss international cooperation strategy is being implemented using all of its instruments (development cooperation, humanitarian aid and peacebuilding).

By hosting the URC2022 conference in Switzerland, we have the opportunity to foster an inclusive approach to the reform agenda in Ukraine based on shared responsibility. Switzerland has provided Ukraine with its expertise, engagement and unique position as a non-EU and non-NATO European country.

The URC2022 conference drew 58 international delegations as well as representatives from the private sector and civil society.

Participants at the conference in Lugano discussed reconstruction priorities and the need to coordinate support. The agenda included in particular discussion of reconstruction priorities, methods and principles. Participants also examined the various facets of reconstruction in terms of infrastructure, the economy, the environment and social affairs.

At the end of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022), Switzerland and Ukraine, with the support of international partners, presented the 'Lugano Declaration' on Tuesday, 5 July 2022. This document creates a framework for the political process that will guide Ukraine's reconstruction. It also establishes the 'Lugano Principles', which will serve as common benchmarks for the future.

While the 'Lugano Declaration' stipulates that Ukraine will manage the process, it also states that reforms must continue. An important shared idea is 'to build back better' with the conviction that reconstruction is not an endeavour that takes priority over reforms, the fight against corruption, greater transparency and the safeguarding of an independent judiciary. Instead, they are all mutually dependent on one another.