Development ministers to discuss the humanitarian situation in Ukraine

NordenBladet — EU development ministers will hold an informal meeting in Montpellier, France, on 7 March 2022. The meeting will focus on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and on the EU’s actions in the current situation. Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will represent Finland at the meeting.The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is deteriorating as the Russian invasion continues. It is important that the EU and its Member States coordinate their humanitarian support to Ukraine. A particular challenge is to ensure that assistance reaches its destination in the midst of the war.“Finland is continuing to support Ukraine. It is important to respond to the needs of the civilian population, especially women and children, during the crisis. As a European community of values, we must also ensure the protection of those fleeing the war and support communities receiving refugees in the neighbouring countries of Ukraine. All our efforts to support Ukraine must be coordinated,” says Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari.Ministers will also examine more thoroughly the role of development policy as a geopolitical tool in strengthening the EU’s global role and in promoting the EU’s fundamental values. The discussion will be based on the new Global Gateway Strategy and the opportunities it offers for creating sustainable growth in developing countries. The recent EU–African Union Summit announced an investment package of EUR 150 billion for Africa within the framework of the Global Gateway initiative. The geopolitical situation and the COVID-19 pandemic have further accentuated the importance of the partnership between the EU and Africa. Finland supports considerable investments by the EU in the green transition, digitalisation and sustainable development that creates jobs in Africa.Ministers will also discuss the promotion of biodiversity in development policy. It is likely that the discussion will focus on increasing the EU’s and the Member States’ funding for biodiversity. The World Environment Facility (GEF) is the main funding instrument for biodiversity for Finland.