Prime Minister Orpo highlights importance of Finland’s participation in reconstruction of Ukraine

Prime Minister Orpo reiterated Finland’s continued support for Ukraine at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024) in Berlin on 11–12 June. The conference focused on support for Ukraine’s economy and reconstruction and on the reforms needed for Ukraine’s convergence with the EU.

The conference brought together state leaders and ministers from countries supporting Ukraine, along with representatives from international organisations and financial institutions, businesses, and civil society organisations. 

“Ukraine’s determination and strong will to reform have become clear to everyone. We know that Ukraine's future is European,” Prime Minister Orpo said in Finland’s national address. 

During the conference, Prime Minister Orpo took part in a high-level roundtable chaired by Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Prime Minister also met with representatives of Finnish companies participating in the event. Prime Minister Orpo noted that Finnish companies and other actors have the expertise Ukraine needs many areas. 

“Finnish know-how can help Ukraine in rebuilding its critical energy infrastructure and building digital infrastructure, and in sectors such as education, the environment and civil defence,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

Orpo said he was especially concerned that millions of children were unable to attend school due to a lack of civil defence shelters.

“An investment in shelters is an investment in the future generations of Ukraine,” the Prime Minister said.

Finland has pledged to support Ukraine in the Government Programme. Finland’s separate national plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine aims to support Finnish businesses participating in the reconstruction through financing and advisory services.

Finland has provided nearly EUR 3 billion in support to Ukraine since the start of the war. Along with defence materiel, Finland’s support has consisted of development cooperation and humanitarian aid.

The next Ukraine Recovery Conference will take place in Italy in 2025.

Inquiries: Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister, tel. +358 295 160 978, Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 523 5768 and Marko Ruonala, Project Manager (Communications), tel. +358 50 522 8233, Prime Minister’s Office; Antti Vänskä, Special Envoy, Reconstruction and Support of Ukraine, tel. +358 50 323 4564, Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Dan Ekholm, Counsellor, Press and Cultural Affairs, tel. +49 172 314 0070, Embassy of Finland, Berlin.