Federal Council does not want to book Ukraine reconstruction aid as an extraordinary item
Published: Thursday, Feb 22nd 2024, 11:40
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An interdepartmental working group is currently examining how Switzerland should co-finance the reconstruction of Ukraine. A fund not covered by the debt brake is out of the question for the Federal Council.
Such a fund for reconstruction in Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia two years ago, is under discussion in both chambers. The National Council has received a motion from its Finance Committee (FK-N) demanding that the amount made available be booked as an extraordinary item and thus not be subject to the debt brake. In addition, it should not be charged to International Cooperation (IC).
The Federal Council opposes this demand, as can be seen from its response to the motion published on Thursday. It is currently examining what institutional framework is required to support the long-term reconstruction process, what financing options are available and what level of federal contribution would be appropriate.
However, the Federal Council writes that the conditions for extraordinary financing of reconstruction aid are not met. "The amount of the Swiss contribution can be controlled, which is why this expenditure is not extraordinary."
According to the Federal Council, Switzerland has supported the population affected by the war in Ukraine with a total of CHF 2.75 billion until December 31, 2023. As part of the next IC Strategy 2025-28, the Federal Council has also earmarked around CHF 1.5 billion for Ukraine and the region.
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