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Plan for the Modernization of Ukraine

ВTo restore the economy of Ukraine, attract foreign investment and create jobs – such tasks have been undertaken by the Agency for the Modernization of Ukraine.
 
The Agency was created upon an initiative of Mr. Dmitry Firtash, the President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, and presented on March 3, 2015 at the Forum Ukraine Tomorrow. The structure of the Agency includes influential European politicians and experts, who are to submit a plan for the modernization of Ukraine – a package of reforms needed for the economic development of Ukraine – after 200 days.
 
The elaboration of the modernization plan is coordinated by the founders of the Agency – Mr. Karl-Georg Wellmann, Head of the German-Ukrainian Parliamentary group, a Bundestag Member; Lord Risby, British MP; and Mr. Bernard-Henry Lévy, French public activist, writer and philosopher.

The AMU team is led by Michael Spindelegger, the influential Austrian politician who served as the Minister of Finance of Austria (2013-2014), Vice-Chancellor of Austria (2011-2014), and the Foreign Minister of Austria (2008-2013).

The elaboration of the plan involves scientists and experts from Ukraine, Germany, France, the UK, Austria and Poland. In the framework of the Agency eight streams led by the influential European politicians and experts were created. The European integration work stream will be led by Gunther Verheugen, European Commissioner for the EU Enlargement in 1999-2004. The finance and taxation will be a responsibility of Peer Steinbrück, the architect of the Euro protection program during the 2008 economic crisis. The economic priorities will be under the guidance of Mme. Laurence Parisot, one of the most influential women in France and an ex-President of MEDEF (French Employers Association) in 2005-2013. Trade affairs will belong to the jurisdiction of Lord Mandelson who used to work with Tony Blair’s and Gordon Brown’s governments later serving as the European Commissioner for Trade. Rupert Scholtz will head the constitutional reform work stream and anti-corruption activities will be elaborated under the guidance of Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz serving as the Prime Minister of Poland in 1996-1997 and after that, in his capacity of the Foreign Minister of Poland (2001-2005), he signed the Agreement on Polish accession to the EU. The law enforcement-related proposals will be supervised by Lord McDonald who served as the Prosecutor General of England and Wales in 2003 – 2008. Health care proposals will be devised under the leadership of Bernard Couchner – ex-Foreign Minister of France and founder of the international organization “Doctors Without Borders”.

During the Agency presentation Dmitry Firtash, the FEU President, also noted that as reforms started to be implemented, the Ukrainian Restoration Fund amounting to $300 bn would be set up.
 
“While the plan is being drawn up, we will be simultaneously pursuing discussions with investors giving due account to their interests and expectations. We are looking to raise some $300 bn. This is the estimated amount needed for the comprehensive quality reconstruction of the Ukrainian economy. What is important is that this money will be channeled into business and specific projects and we will be able to see their efficiency at once,” added Mr. Firtash.
 
In his speech at the Forum Ukraine tomorrow, John Whittingdale, a member of the British Parliament, said that British Prime Minister James Cameron had expressed his support for the initiative of the Agency for the Modernization of Ukraine establishing. “I spoke with the Prime Minister of Great Britain. He said that we can help, but the Ukrainians must fight corruption. We can send billions of dollars of aid, and we see quite effective leaders in the industry. Before we talk about money, we have to create a strategy. The challenge is of incredible magnitude, but we have the tools. I am glad that Ukrainian trade unions, and both employers and investors are represented in the initiative”, said John Whittingdale.
 
Bernard-Henri Levy, co-founder of the Agency for the Modernization of Ukraine, noted that French President Francois Hollande recognized it as the “Marshall Plan of our time”. "President Hollande – French President said: I support you and give you the ability to unlock the potential”, said Bernard-Henri Levy during the presentation of the Agency.
  • The International Forum Ukraine Tomorrow initiated by the Federations of Employers and trade unions of Ukraine took place in Vienna
  • The event has triggered remarkable interest among Europeans: instead of the originally registered 250 participants, the turnout was over 500 representatives of business and political communities of Europe
  • Representatives of France, Germany and the UK have endorsed the proposal jointly moved forward by the Federation of Employers of Ukraine and trade unions of Ukraine to set up the Agency for the Modernization of Ukraine
  • As a result of the Ukraine Tomorrow the declaration speaking about the Agency foundation was signed by Mr. Reiner Lindner, Head of the German-Ukrainian Forum; Mr. Karl-Georg Wellmann, a Bundestag Member; Mr. Bernard-Henry Lévy, French public activist, writer and philosopher; and Lord Risby, British MP
  • Mr. Karl-Georg Wellmann, a Bundestag Member, Head of the German-Ukrainian parliamentary group
  • Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz, the Prime Minister of Poland in 1996-1997, Gunther Verheugen, Vice-president of the European Commission for Enterprise and Industry (2004-2010), an honorary Professor at the European University Viadrina, and Kenneth Macdonald, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of England and Wales (2003–2008)
  • The modernization plan will be being drafted by eight renown European politicians and business people leading various facets of Ukraine’s Euro-integration including health care, finance and taxation, economy, trade, constitutional and legal reform, anti-corruption and law enforcement
  • The first President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk appealed to the participants of the Forum
  • The Modernization Program will include: the constitutional, legal and state institutions reform, integration with the European Union, combatting corruption, financial sector and state government systems improvement, economy, trade and health care modernization
  • Bernard Henri-Levy, French political journalist, philosopher and writer
  • The President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Dmitry Firtash has become one of the initiators of the Ukraine Tomorrow forum
  • The President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Dmitry Firtash noted that the Agency had been established following 9 months of the FEU’s cooperation with Ukraine’s Europe’s leading experts, scientists and business people
  • The Forum organizers are sure that not only Europeans will take part in the restoration and modernization of Ukraine’s economy, but the President of Ukraine and Verkhovna Rada deputies will support the initiative
  • As reforms start to be implemented, the Ukrainian Restoration Fund will be set up to uphold the sustainable development of the economy and infrastructure
  • The estimated amount needed for the comprehensive quality reconstruction of the Ukrainian economy totals $300 billion of investments
  • Leonid Kravchuk, the President of Ukraine (1991-1994), Mr. Karl-Georg Wellmann, a Bundestag Member, Head of the German-Ukrainian parliamentary group, Dmitry Firtash, President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, and Peer Steinbrück, the architect of the Euro protection program during the 2008 economic crisis
  • “We are looking to raise some $300 bn. What is important is that this money will be channeled into business and specific projects and we will be able to see their efficiency at once,” added Mr. Firtash
  • The dialog of the European diplomats, trade unions and employers attracted attention of media representatives from all over Europe
  • Yarema Zhuhaievych, the President of the Trade Union of Aircraft builders of Ukraine, took part in the Forum
  • The European elite considers  Ukrainian employers and trade unions as the partners for Ukraine’s economy recovery
  • Lord Risby, British MP
  • As a result of the Ukraine Tomorrow forum held in Vienna, the declaration speaking about the Agency foundation was signed
  • John Whittingdale, Member of the British Parliament said that British Prime Minister James Cameron expressed his support for the initiative of establishing an Agency for the modernization of Ukraine, which will implement needed reforms
  • The European elite considers  Ukrainian employers and trade unions as the partners for Ukraine’s economy recovery
  • The economic priorities will be under the guidance of Mme. Laurence Parisot, one of the most influential women in France and an ex-President of MEDEF (French Employers Association) in 2005-2013
  • The European integration work stream will be led by Gunther Verheugen, Vice-president of the European Commission for Enterprise and Industry (2004-2010), an honorary Professor at the European University Viadrina
  • The anti-corruption activities will be elaborated under the guidance of Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz serving as the Prime Minister of Poland in 1996-1997 and after that, in his capacity of the Foreign Minister of Poland (2001-2005), he signed the Agreement on Polish accession to the EU
  • Health care proposals will be devised under the leadership of Bernard Couchner – ex-Foreign Minister of France and founder of the international organization “Doctors Without Borders”
  • In 200 days, the Agency will present a clear and comprehensive Ukraine modernization action plan
  • Dozens of journalists from leading European mass media attended the Forum to talk with representatives of Europe’s political and business circles
  • Dmitry Firtash, the President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, answers journalists’ questions
  • Dmitry Firtash is sure that the Agency for modernization of Ukraine will succeed

EVENTS:

All events...

Dmitry Firtash: Businesspeople Stand Ready to Cooperate With the Cabinet 18 April 2016

Dmitry Firtash: Businesspeople Stand Ready to Cooperate With the Cabinet

The Ukrainian business community looks forward to cooperating with the new Cabinet of Ministers towards the country’s economy restoration, said Mr. Dmitry Firtash, President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine in his interview to Inter...
Ukraine Needs Peace, Income and Parliamentary Elections – Dmitry Firtash 04 April 2016

Ukraine Needs Peace, Income and Parliamentary Elections – Dmitry Firtash

People who are interested in stability and peace in Ukraine have to come to power after the elections to the Parliament of Ukraine. This was stated by Dmitry Firtash, the President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, in an interview to...
The Government Treats Business People As Enemies 08 June 2015

The Government Treats Business People As Enemies

The government treats business people as enemies that’s why business has to fight against the government. This was stated by Dmitry Firtash, the President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, in the interview to Inter TV Channel
The Government Has To Negotiate About Cheaper Gas Import – Dmitry Firtash 08 June 2015

The Government Has To Negotiate About Cheaper Gas Import – Dmitry Firtash

If the government had imported some cheaper gas into the market, there wouldn’t have been any need for lifting the utility tariffs. This was stated by Dmitry Firtash, the President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine
In 2015 the FEU Representative Office To Be Opened in Brussels 25 November 2014

In 2015 the FEU Representative Office To Be Opened in Brussels

In 2015, the Federation of Employers of Ukraine plans to open a representative office in the political center of the European Union – Brussels. This was stated by the FEU President Dmitry Firtash at the meeting of the Board of the Federation...
The EU, Russia and Ukraine May Create a Single Trade Area – Dmitry Firtash 03 November 2014

The EU, Russia and Ukraine May Create a Single Trade Area – Dmitry Firtash

Ukraine-Russia-EU common market formation could be a basis for finding a solution to the conflict in Ukraine. More than 100 participants from Germany, Austria, Ukraine and Russia who were discussing the creation of a common market from Lisbon to...
Ukraine Should Connect the West and Russia – Dmitry Firtash 01 October 2014

Ukraine Should Connect the West and Russia – Dmitry Firtash

Ukraine should become a bridge between the West and Russia, and not be a launching ground. This was stated by the President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Dmitry Firtash during the international Round table “Ukraine in Europe:...
Strong Economy Is a Guaranty of Ukraine’s Security – Dmitry Firtash 01 October 2014

Strong Economy Is a Guaranty of Ukraine’s Security – Dmitry Firtash

Countries with such indicators are constantly at risk of conflicts. If an economy is weak, a country is always on a tinder-box. An explosion can occur from anything. Only the strong economy will guarantee the security of Ukraine”
The FEU To Support Donbass Restoration – Dmitry Firtash 14 July 2014

The FEU To Support Donbass Restoration – Dmitry Firtash

The Federation of Employers of Ukraine stands ready to participate in Donbass program development and financing. Interviewed by Inter TV Channel, Mr. Dmitry Firtash, President of the FEU articulated his vision of Donetsk region restoration...
Dmitry Firtash Urged Business To Continue Operating in Ukraine 11 April 2014

Dmitry Firtash Urged Business To Continue Operating in Ukraine

Dmitry Firtash called business in Ukraine not to stop and continue operating despite the difficult economic situation. The President of the Federation of Employers urged big Ukrainian business to follow the logic of “economic...
Ukraine Does Not Receive Benefits From Business Checks 03 April 2014

Ukraine Does Not Receive Benefits From Business Checks

In 2013, Ukraine's state budget received only 7% of penalty amounts that were applied by the regulatory authorities during inspections of business. This was studied by the Federation of Employers of Ukraine
FEU Proposes To Develop Investment Map of Ukraine 29 November 2013

FEU Proposes To Develop Investment Map of Ukraine

The Federation of Employers of Ukraine will propose the Government to develop an investment opportunities map of Ukraine which will allow local entrepreneurs finding resources to grow their business. This was stated by the FEU President Dmitry...
Business Inspecting Agencies To Prepare Reports for FEU 21 November 2013

Business Inspecting Agencies To Prepare Reports for FEU

All 70 controlling agencies will provide the administration of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine with information about inspections of enterprises. As was stated by the President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Dmitry Firtash such...
Ukraine Should Regulate Technical Requirements For Imported Products – Dmitry Firtash 21 November 2013

Ukraine Should Regulate Technical Requirements For Imported Products – Dmitry Firtash

The Federation of Employers of Ukraine initiated establishment of a special state agency in charge of technical requirements for goods imported to Ukraine and domestically produced goods
Reserves For Economic Development Are Located Inside The Country – Dmitry Firtash 06 November 2013

Reserves For Economic Development Are Located Inside The Country – Dmitry Firtash

Ukraine needs to find inner resources for economic development. This was stated by the President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Dmitry Firtash during the session of the FEU Council which took place on Wednesday in Kie
FEU To Compile Rating of Inspecting Agencies Effectiveness 06 November 2013

FEU To Compile Rating of Inspecting Agencies Effectiveness

The Federation of Employers of Ukraine will develop the system for monitoring of activities of all 70 state agencies having right to audit work of enterprises. According to Dmitry Firtash, for polling purposes a pool of enterprises representing...
Dmitry Firtash Included To The State Commission On Cooperation With The WTO 03 October 2013

Dmitry Firtash Included To The State Commission On Cooperation With The WTO

The President of Ukraine V. Yanukovych signed the Decree № 540 of October 3, 2013 whereby Mr. Dmitry Firtash, President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, is enrolled on the State Commission on cooperation with the World Trade Organization
FEU Offers Government To Revise Labor Protection System 19 September 2013

FEU Offers Government To Revise Labor Protection System

The Federation of Employers of Ukraine offers the government to reform the system of industrial production safety and labor protection. This was announced by Dmitry Firtash, the FEU President, Chairman of Group DF Supervisory Council, during a...
FEU To Stimulate Youth To Start Own Business 12 September 2013

FEU To Stimulate Youth To Start Own Business

The FEU President stressed that today in Ukraine there was a serious problem of the first employment of young people who had graduated from universities. According to Dmitry Firtash, Ukraine needs a new class of people who will try to create jobs...
WTO Should Maintain Open Markets – Dmitry Firtash 12 September 2013

WTO Should Maintain Open Markets – Dmitry Firtash

The main task of Ukraine, the European Union and the Customs Union is to keep open markets within the WTO. This was stated by Dmitry Firtash, the President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, at the annual forum of the International...
Employers To Reduce Youth Unemployment 16 May 2013

Employers To Reduce Youth Unemployment

Youth unemployment will be significantly reduced, if the demand for trained professionals will be formed by employers. This was stated by President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Dmitry Firtash during the meeting with owners and...
Concert Dedicated To Spring and Labour Festival Gathered 40 thousand people 28 April 2013

Concert Dedicated To Spring and Labour Festival Gathered 40 thousand people

People in Zaporizhya were enjoining hits of such famous Ukrainian singers as Alexander Ponomarev, Arsen Mirzoyan, Natalia Koroleva, Taisia Povaliy, Maria Yaremchuk, the Aviator band, Tina Karol, Boris Moiseyev, Verka Serduchka and Sofia Rotaru
FEU To Publish Labor History Book 28 April 2013

FEU To Publish Labor History Book

This project, first of all, is important for the younger generation. Young guys should be proud of people who built our country and desire to become their successors. Therefore, our main task today is to return public respect to a working man, a...
Increasing Requirements For Imports To Protect The Domestic Market 04 April 2013

Increasing Requirements For Imports To Protect The Domestic Market

Committee created at the FEU would coordinate developing of requirements for quality and safety of imported goods, President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Dmitry Firtash said after the meeting of the organization’s Presidium held...
In Ukraine Enterprises Can Be Inspected By 75 State Agencies 04 April 2013

In Ukraine Enterprises Can Be Inspected By 75 State Agencies

Enterprises can be inspected by 75 state agencies in Ukraine. According to President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Dmitry Firtash, such amount of regulatory authorities is listed in the Register of inspecting agencies compiled by the...
Dmitry Firtash: Ukrainian Business Has To  Maintain And Strengthen Its Positions In Foreign Markets 04 April 2013

Dmitry Firtash: Ukrainian Business Has To Maintain And Strengthen Its Positions In Foreign Markets

Ukrainian business has to maintain its market position in countries of the Customs Union, despite the imposed protective trade barriers, said President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Dmitry Firtash
Youth Unemployment to Shrink Due to Securing Balance Between Education and Labor Market 27 June 2012

Youth Unemployment to Shrink Due to Securing Balance Between Education and Labor Market

Mr. Dmitry Firtash, President of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine is sure that orienting the education system towards real needs of Ukraine’s economy will help dramatically reduce the youth unemployment
Employers To Devise Controlling Agencies Monitoring System 25 May 2012

Employers To Devise Controlling Agencies Monitoring System

I fully concur with an idea of creating such a monitoring system. Sumy has a very powerful employers’ organization and it is perfectly capable of making this project happen. Once this system becomes operational, many conflicts between the...
FEU Seeks Simplification of Business Launch Approvals Procedure 17 May 2012

FEU Seeks Simplification of Business Launch Approvals Procedure

In 20 years, there have been multiple programs devised in Ukraine but none of them met with fulfillment. There has to be one yet realistic and meaningful program. Business does not need ten or fifty programs – we need one but workable program