Green Transformation in Germany, Poland, and Ukraine Amid the War and Prospects for Post-War Reconstruction

Venue: Polish Institute Berlin, Burgstrasse 27, 10178 Berlin

As Ukraine endures its third year of Russian aggression, post-war recovery plans have been in motion since the 2022 Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano. There's consensus on using recovery to modernize and tackle chronic issues like low energy efficiency, crucial for European integration and security. A decentralized energy system based on renewables is seen as more resilient against Russian attacks. Germany and Poland, with their experience in green transformation and renewable energy expansion, are expected to play key roles in Ukraine's recovery.

Germany's experience and innovations in green technologies can play a key role in supporting sustainable reconstruction efforts in Ukraine post-war. Additionally, Germany's commitment to reducing dependency on fossil fuels is vital in the context of geopolitical instability, ensuring energy security while addressing climate change challenges. As a country heavily reliant on coal, Poland's shift towards renewable energy is both a challenge and an opportunity. Poland's strategic position in Europe also makes it a key player in supporting Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, particularly in the energy sector, where collaboration can foster regional stability and sustainable growth.

What are Ukraine's needs in both the short and long term, and how does green reconstruction fit into the Ukrainian government's plans? What could be the role of Germany and Poland in the process of green reconstruction of Ukraine? What are the implications of decarbonisation for the future of European security? Find out during the debate. 

Program
17:00- 17:15: Welcome by the organizers
17:15-19:00: Debate – " Green Transformation in Germany, Poland, and Ukraine Amid the War and Prospects for Post-War Reconstruction"

Panel

• Szymon Kardaś, Senior Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)
• Anastasiia Bondarenko, Environmental Expert, Kyiv, Head of Climate and Environment Program, Austausch e.V
• Garry Poluschkin, Consultant, Berlin Economics

Moderation: Jacob Riemer, Second Director, Austausch e.V. – For European Civil Society

The event is organized by Austausch e.V., the College of Eastern Europe (KEW), the Heinrich Böll Foundation office in Warsaw and the Polish Institute in Berlin.