Crimea will be part of a great, strong and European Ukraine
Тhe losses caused by the occupation of Crimea amount to at least UAH 120 billion. These funds for the restoration of the peninsula should be paid by russia through the confiscation of its assets frozen in the West. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in his speech at the third summit of the Crimea Platform.
According to the Head of Government, as long as Crimea remains occupied, it is impossible to talk about justice, sustainable peace, security in Europe and a rules-based international order.
“Today, we sincerely believe that our flag will rise again over the Ukrainian Simferopol, Sevastopol, Yalta and other cities of the Ukrainian peninsula. Crimea will be part of a great, strong and European Ukraine. And we are grateful to everyone who supports us on this path,” said Denys Shmyhal.
The Head of Government spoke about five points of the economic model for the development of Crimea within the framework of the Strategy for the restoration of the peninsula after its de-occupation.
“The first point is a new tourist centre in Europe. We want to transform the peninsula from a military base into a resort where people can spend their holidays all year round. This concept is the basis for the peninsula’s new brand – Crimea365. The second point is the development of infrastructure to connect Crimea with Ukraine, Europe and the world. Crimea will become part of the European transport space, integrated into the European TEN-T road network. It is planned to build four motorways, two international airports, create an international hub and develop small air transport. The de-occupation of Crimea and the dismantling of the Crimean Bridge will create conditions for the return of safe navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov,” the Prime Minister said.
According to the Head of Government, the third point of economic recovery in Ukraine’s Crimea is the energy sector and energy independence.
“The Ukrainian power grid is already integrated into the European ENTSO-E system. This provides additional opportunities and opens up significant potential for investment. We will focus on the development of renewable energy sources. Removing the military threat from russia will open up access to 2.3 trillion cubic metres of natural gas in Ukraine’s Black Sea shelf. Thanks to new technologies in gas exploration and production, Crimea will become fully energy independent and a net exporter of energy resources,” said Denys Shmyhal.
The fourth point of the economic model of Crimea’s development is the agricultural sector.
“We are already preparing a project for the reconstruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, which will restore the irrigation and water supply systems for southern Ukraine and, in particular, Ukrainian Crimea. In the agricultural sector, we will focus on the development of small farms and the wine industry. Ukraine has a programme of non-repayable grants called eRobota, which provides funding for the planting of orchards and vineyards. We will definitely expand this programme so that Crimea can become a Ukrainian Bordeaux. The fifth point of the Crimean revival strategy is to create a European and world-class IT hub on the peninsula. We are talking about a special regime that will attract investment in science, education and innovation,” said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
