27 April ‒ 1 May 2026
Dear friends of Ukraine,
Ukraine wants fast-track membership of the EU. The EU has not yet made up its mind, and many are mindful of the fact that Romania and Bulgaria were admitted in 2007 without being ready for accession. That should not be allowed to happen again. However, given the EU’s lack of its own defence capabilities, it should consider whether it is willing and able to manage without Ukraine. After all, Ukraine boasts the most capable army in Europe. Those who can no longer rely on America should seek to secure Ukraine’s allegiance.
It is clear that this is not without its problems. Ukraine does not yet meet the standards expected of EU members. But a clear timetable with clear commitments for Ukraine is likely to unleash unexpected energy. In this sense, linking the €90 billion loan to conditions for broadening the tax base is a reasonable step by the EU. Ukraine must take steps to shrink the shadow economy and broaden the base for tax revenue.
The date of the week was 26 April, the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. The damaged reactor, just 90 kilometres north of Kyiv, did not only bring great suffering to Ukraine in 1986. Chernobyl fuelled Ukrainian aspirations for independence as well. Decisions were also taken in Moscow at that time that cost Ukrainians their lives. Independence came just five years after the disaster.
Kind regards and best wishes for a long weekend in Germany
P.S.: Please send feedback to nataliia.hryshchenko@ukraine.ahk.de and / or reiner.perau@ukraine.ahk.de.
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- To fight russia, Europe needs Ukraine
- The EU is considering tightening the conditions for the €90 billion loan due to VAT issues affecting sole traders
- 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster
- The EBRD plans to hold its first auctions this year to promote renewable energy in Ukraine
- Germany is setting up a contact centre to promote investment in the Ukrainian defence industry
- The Ukrainian parliament is pushing ahead with reforms hesitantly, whilst deadlines for financial aid are drawing nearer
- Ukraine is currently negotiating with the EIB to increase reconstruction funds by €230 billion in 2026
- Forecast by the National Bank of Ukraine: rising inflation, falling GDP
- Kyivstar, Swarmer and Ferrexpo are the first Ukrainian companies to be included in the Ukraine Reconstruction ETF
- The government is planning a further tender for 1,322 MW of new generation capacity
