Sweden launches new science alliance to fast-track Ukraine's EU membership
Photo: Sweden launches new initiative to support Ukraine (Getty Images)
A new international initiative — the Coalition for Advancing Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine — was launched at the Ukraine Recovery Conference. Sweden is one of its co-founders, informs the Swedish government.
Swedish officials said the coalition aims to support the development and growth of Ukrainian research and technological innovation.
The main goal of the declaration is to assist Ukrainian researchers and innovators. One focus is the creation of joint research projects.
The document also envisions deeper integration of Ukraine into the European Union’s scientific and research cooperation programs.
The Swedish government stressed that supporting science in Ukraine is not just about wartime aid. It’s a long-term investment in the future of Ukraine and Europe as a whole. The initiative is also meant to bring Ukraine closer to full EU membership.
The Swedish Minister for Education and Research said the country firmly supports Ukraine and its people, and that backing Ukrainian scientists sends a clear message about Sweden’s unwavering position. She added that scientific cooperation within the EU would become even stronger as Ukraine moves closer to the bloc.
The Ukraine Recovery Conference
The Ukraine Recovery Conference is an international platform for discussing key issues related to the country’s post-war reconstruction. It focuses on defining strategic priorities and exploring funding options for rebuilding.
The event brings together government representatives from partner countries, international institutions, business leaders, and civil society groups. Core topics include energy security, infrastructure reconstruction, digitalization, reform implementation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and ensuring transparency in the use of international aid.
Ukraine's recovery programs
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the creation of a new recovery fund for Ukraine during the conference. She called it the world's largest equity fund aimed at helping a war-affected country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that rebuilding Ukraine could take the form of a coalition of international partners, modeled after the Marshall Plan. He stated that this approach would help drive economic growth and modernize the country's infrastructure.
US Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg also endorsed the idea of a new Marshall Plan.
He emphasized that the international community must support Ukraine through the post-war recovery process by designing a modern version of such a plan.
