Why is now a good time to invest in Ukraine? How can Ukraine contribute to European prosperity and security? And how can the countrys transformation benefit the EU?

Prime Minister Shmyhal, Minister Szłapka, dear Mr. Thysen, dear members of the business community,

Now is a good time to invest in Ukraine. Even in uncertain times, there are certainties. Ukraine is becoming more integrated into the European economy, even before becoming an EU member.

The world has recently changed fundamentally. The new geopolitical landscape forces our neighbors to move closer to the EU as a stability anchor. It is clear that Europe needs to do more for our security and prosperity, together with our neighbors.

The EU is already taking initiatives involving our neighbors, such as the competitiveness compass and the Clean Energy Deal. We have a choice: let our neighbors contribute to our prosperity or become a security challenge. Nowhere is this clearer than in Ukraine. No one is currently contributing more to European security than the Ukrainian armed forces.

We are helping Ukraine become economically strong, particularly by ensuring energy security. In February, we agreed on an ambitious energy security package with Ukraine. This will increase energy security for both the EU and Ukraine and offers opportunities for investors.

We are also accelerating Ukraines integration into the internal market, creating new opportunities for Ukrainian and European businesses. Ukraines innovative defense industry can strengthen the European defense market.

The reforms in Ukraine are impressive. They help create a predictable and safe business climate. The EU is investing significantly in Ukraines reconstruction and economic transformation, which should generate substantial investments.

We already have success stories like the OKKO Group, building one of Ukraines largest wind farms with EU support. This shows that even war cannot deter Ukrainian entrepreneurs.

Today, we are launching a new platform to connect European companies with Ukraine. We want businesses to play a central role in rebuilding Ukraine and Europe.

There is a Ukrainian expression: to cook borscht together. It means working through something complicated patiently. With our new EU-Ukraine Business Partnership, we will cook borscht together.

Investing in Ukraine today is investing in Europes future. Lets make this happen together.