The Berlin Conference co-organized by the German and Ukrainian governments1 is a forward-looking event aiming at exploring medium and long term challenges for Ukraine, in particular in economic development and business climate, human and social recovery, local development and the EU accession.
In all these dimensions, specific cross cutting issues such as local governance, environment (including the energy sector), health, education, etc. are to be integrated in the discussions. While this proactive approach is most welcome, in particular in the perspective of EU accession, the links between these medium and long terms challenges and the reality of the situation in the field might be sidelined.
In fact, the situation of energy provision and its consequences on basic services, in particular on the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector and the health sector is hindered in a dramatic way. In addition, series of attacks on dam, the recent intensified destruction of energy production and distribution systems and the accentuated difficulties to repair them (lack of spare parts, logistical means and manpower) is likely to further weaken the capacity to deliver heat and energy for coming winter.
The present non-paper explores how support the linkage between emergency, recovery and development in Ukraine is specific areas, with a strong focus on the linkages between energy and vital sectors: water and sanitation, heating for the survival in winter conditions and health.