Last weekend, liberal leaders gathered in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, for the Economic Resilience Forum, a high-level meeting focused on Ukraine’s recovery, economic resilience and long-term path towards European Union integration.
As Ukraine continues to defend its freedom and democracy, its reconstruction is not only a national priority, but a European one. Building a stronger, more resilient Ukraine means investing in Europe’s own security, prosperity and democratic future. Across Europe, liberals are leading this effort by championing Ukraine’s place in the European family, supporting reforms that bring it closer to the EU, and pushing for practical partnerships that turn solidarity into lasting recovery.
Jointly organised by ALDE Party and Ukrainian member Servant of the People Party and supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, the Forum brought together politicians and economic experts at a time when Ukraine is laying the groundwork for recovery while the war continues.
The Forum focused on strengthening Ukraine's economy during the war, from rebuilding critical infrastructure to attracting investment for reconstruction.
"As Vice President of ALDE, I am especially glad that our partnership allows to unite Ukrainian and European politicians, representatives of communities and experts on one platform to discuss practical solutions necessary for the sustainability and development of Ukraine”, said ALDE Party Vice-President Yevheniia Kravchuk MP.
Speakers repeatedly stressed that Ukraine’s recovery is now inseparable from Europe’s own strategic stability. They argued that Europe's defence and democratic resilience are now shared challenges across the continent.
After Ukraine began its EU accession negotiations last week, this was a key focus of the forum. Participants discussed what comes next in the enlargement process and how gradual integration into parts of the EU single market could be accelerated even before full membership.
“Our presence here, together with our colleagues from USR and ALDE Party, is a strong signal that European liberals speak with one voice when it comes to the future of Ukraine. During the official opening, I thanked Governor Ruslan Osypenko and the entire community for hosting us, as the Chernivtsi region is today a vital logistical and economic hub for Ukraine and Europe”, added ALDE Party Vice-President Dan Barna MEP.
Attention also turned to the wider question of Europe’s geopolitical direction, with leaders arguing that enlargement is no longer only a political project, but a strategic necessity in a period of global instability and renewed great-power competition.
Alongside formal negotiations, the forum highlighted the realities of Ukraine’s wartime economy, including repeated attacks on energy and logistics infrastructure.
Yet despite these challenges, participants pointed to areas of resilience and innovation emerging across Ukrainian regions, particularly in energy systems and local governance structures that have stayed strong under sustained pressure.
A moment of reflection was held during the programme in memory of those who lost their lives as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion, followed by a musical tribute to Ukrainian defenders. The forum concluded with a broad consensus that Europe must maintain its long-term commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction and EU future.
For
European liberals, the meeting reinforced how Ukraine’s security and
recovery are directly tied to Europe’s own future, and that support for
its EU path must be matched by sustained political and economic
commitment.
Hear from our experts:
Ioana's take:
“I was truly moved to see liberals take action for Ukrainian economic recovery. Liberals are leading on this issue, and it's clear that our voice has meaning and impact where it's needed most."
Ioana Pavel, Political Assistant - Assistant to the Secretary General 
*Ioana Pavel contributed to this piece