In Gdańsk, State Secretary Oleksandr Karasevych took part in a Council of Europe side event on the eve of the 2026 Ukraine Recovery Conference. On the eve of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk, the Council of Europe hosted a side event titled “The Importance of Adhering to Council of Europe Standards for Ukraine’s Recovery,” dedicated to the role of Council of Europe standards in the process of our country’s recovery and reconstruction.

Participants in the discussion addressed how adherence to the principles of the rule of law, human rights protection, good governance, transparency, and accountability contributes to creating a favorable environment for investment, economic development, and the sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine.

Particular attention was paid to the fight against corruption, digital and cybersecurity, the development of artificial intelligence, and the important role of local self-government in the recovery of communities. Participants also emphasized the importance of holding Russia accountable for the damage inflicted on Ukraine and the need to use international legal mechanisms to seek compensation for the harm caused.

The event was attended by Oleksandr Karasevych, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; Gianluca Esposito, Director General for Human Rights and the Rule of Law at the Council of Europe; Mathieu Mori, Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe; Matthew Jordan-Tank, Director of Sustainable Infrastructure Policy and Project Preparation at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Matthew Jordan-Tank, as well as representatives of international organizations, government agencies, the business community, and civil society.

In his remarks, Oleksandr Karasevych emphasized that the launch of the Register of Damages for Ukraine, the establishment of the International Compensation Commission, and the advancement of the work of the Special Tribunal are concrete results of international efforts to ensure justice for Ukraine. He welcomed the start of the Commission’s practical work, expressed hope for the swiftest possible launch of the compensation fund, and noted the important contribution of the Council of Europe Development Bank to Ukraine’s recovery and resilience.

The participants reaffirmed their shared vision that Ukraine’s reconstruction must be based on European values, Council of Europe standards, and the principles of respect for human rights, which are essential prerequisites for building a strong, democratic, and prosperous state.

At the end of the side event, Oleksandr Karasevych presented Mr. Esposito with the Order of Merit, Third Class.