WASHINGTON, June 13, 2023¡ªThe Governments of Iceland, the Republic of Latvia and the Netherlands have made new grant contributions to the World Bank¡¯s Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF), which supports the country¡¯s efforts in rebuilding. Latvia is the latest donor to join the URTF, while the Netherlands and Iceland had contributed previously, highlighting the increasing commitment among partners to the recovery of Ukraine.
With Iceland¡¯s contribution of ISK 500 million ($3.6 million), Latvia¡¯s EUR 2 million, the Netherlands¡¯ EUR 60 million, the URTF¡¯s funding has now reached more than $920 million.
¡°We are grateful for the continued support from Iceland and the Netherlands and welcome Latvia joining the URTF,¡± said Arup Banerji, World Bank Regional Country Director for Eastern Europe. ¡°Ukraine¡¯s operating and recovery needs are immense. These generous contributions will allow the Government of Ukraine to repair vital energy infrastructure, roads, bridges, housing, schools, and to help its people rebuild their lives.¡±
The URTF is a multi-donor trust fund facility supporting the World Bank¡¯s emergency operations in Ukraine through projects that address the country¡¯s immediate needs as outlined in the recent Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment report, focusing on critical sectors such as transport, energy and health. The project design allows for flexibility to scale up for additional funding, adapting to on-the-ground developments and disbursing rapidly.
Several projects in Ukraine have already benefitted from URTF funds, including the Restoration Project of Winterization and Energy Resources, the Repairing Essential Logistics Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (RELINC) project and the Health Enhancement and Lifesaving in Ukraine (HEAL) project.
