As the G7 Summit approaches, discussions on Ukraine's reconstruction take center stage, emphasizing the importance of approaching the task with a focus on
European integration and the transition to sustainable, carbon-neutral energy sources. Marcin Korolec, the director of the Green Economy Institute and former Environment Minister of Poland, highlights key considerations for the reconstruction process.
The New York Times recently featured an article titled "Ukraine goes dark. Images from space drive home the nation's anguish," showcasing the devastating effects of energy infrastructure destruction in the country. Ukraine has just endured its most challenging winter since World War II, underscoring the urgency of providing assistance in rebuilding the nation's economy and infrastructure.
Korolec emphasizes that the reconstruction of Ukraine should prioritize European integration while avoiding any obstacles that may impede this process in the future. Central to this approach is the "Build Back Better" principle, focusing on ensuring Ukraine's structural independence from its aggressor.
Efforts should be made to liberate Ukraine from fossil fuel dependence, which serves as a major source of financing for Russian aggression and political leverage. To achieve this, Ukraine's homes, economy, and industry should transition to carbon-neutral renewable energy sources or nuclear energy.
Constructing a new energy system for Ukraine presents significant investment, organizational, political, and social challenges. Overcoming these obstacles will require efforts to ensure a housing sector free from fossil fuels and the electrification of road transport. Additionally, phasing out fossil fuels in an economy historically reliant on heavy industry poses a formidable task.
However, examples of green recovery initiatives already exist. For instance, the Ecoclub NGO, with support from various European countries, is installing solar panels on hospital roofs to provide alternative and affordable energy sources. Such solutions should be actively promoted, encouraged, and replicated.
Considering the financial support required for Ukraine's reconstruction, coordination among donors is crucial. The European Union, the United States, and other OECD countries, including Japan, Canada, and Australia, are expected to be the main actors financing the rebuilding efforts. International financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund will also play a significant role.
To ensure effective coordination, a Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform should be strengthened. This platform would bring together representatives from Ukraine, financial institutions, EU Member States, the European Parliament, think tanks, and NGOs. Creating an independent oversight council, including civil society representatives, would enhance accountability, transparency, and public trust in the management of the green reconstruction process.
Rebuilding Ukraine also provides an opportunity to develop new spatial planning concepts suitable for the challenges of the 21st century. Some areas of urban fabric, infrastructure, and industrial plants may be so severely damaged that reconstruction may not be economically viable. In such cases, incorporating innovative urban and spatial planning concepts, such as adapting cities to changing climate conditions or implementing 15-minute cities, can avoid repeating past development mistakes caused by uncoordinated urban growth.
Ukraine can rely on support from experts worldwide to create a spatial planning framework aligned with the principles of sustainable development. By rebuilding with a focus on European integration, sustainable energy, and forward-thinking spatial planning, Ukraine can pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future. Photo by Noobuster007, Wikimedia commons.