Athens, 9 June 2023 (TDI): The Secretary-General of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), Marija Pejčinović Burić, addressed its 56th Joint Meeting today in Greece amid Ukraine’s membership of the Bank.
CEB was established in 1956, making it one of Europe’s oldest development banks. The Governing Board, Senior Management and the Administrative Council of CEB hold an annual Joint Meeting in one of the Bank’s Member Countries.
This year the meeting commenced in Greece today, and discussions were held regarding the Bank’s strategic and policy priorities, and several new projects were also finalized.
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In her opening speech, the Minister of Development and Investment, Eleni Louri-Dendrinou, emphasized the continued support of Greece for the social missions of the Bank and looked forward to its contribution to the development of potential sectors of the country.
Secretary-General Addressed the Joint Meeting
During the meeting, the Secretary-General highlighted the Bank’s actions and emphasized its impact on member states.
Moreover, she underscored the grants provided to Ukrainian refugees by the Bank and the strategic framework to facilitate socio-economic development in Ukraine by the Council of Europe’s National Action Plan.
While referring to the role of the Bank in the development of the social sector, the Secretary-General showed concern regarding the ongoing climate catastrophe, which would lead to increased demand on the resources of the Bank and other international organizations.
Ukraine Participated in the Joint Meeting of CEB
Ukraine requested its accession to the Bank last year in June, and in July the members unanimously endorsed its membership.
Eventually this year, after the adoption of the law on Ukraine’s membership by its Parliament, high-level representatives from Ukraine attended the CEB meeting.
The Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine and the Finance Minister joined the meeting through video conference and appreciated CEB’s support for the membership and its contribution to the development and rehabilitation operations in Ukraine.
The Finance Minister stressed that CEB membership would facilitate Ukraine’s entry into the EU. Moreover, it would support Ukraine’s financial stability and recovery.
Membership in CEB is a landmark event as it will help Ukraine get back on its feet because of CEB’s extensive expertise in social development. Ukrainian officials have demonstrated complete faith in the organization for the revival of their social structure and framework.
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