Redactions covered by Article 4.1 (b)
Ref. Ares(2022)7050158 - 12/10/2022
TRADE ACCES DOCUMENTS
From:
(CAB-DOMBROVSKIS)
Sent:
samedi 3 septembre 2022 08:06
To:
(CAB-DOMBROVSKIS)
Subject:
Minutes DigitalEurope 18 May 2022
The parties spent good part of the meeting discussing the war in Ukraine. DigitalEurope commended the
EU’s efforts to support the Ukrainian people and pointed out that in addition to delivering humanitarian aid,
helping those fleeing war and supporting Ukraine by all other means, it is important to notice that the
Russian armed forces are also destroying vital ICT and telecoms equipment, which is also critical for
Ukraine’s functioning. Digital industry is already doing a lot to assist Ukraine, for example by donating
laptops, servers, handsets, printers, and cybersecurity software that is needed. The goal is to make sure that
the Ukrainian authorities and people remain connected and can control their essential communication
networks, but also ensure functioning of critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and transport hubs.
DigitalEurope argued that there is urgent need to do more in terms of supplying digital equipment and the
Commission could play a role in coordinating this effort.
CAB Dombrovskis thanked DigitalEurope and the industry for all the support provided to Ukraine and the
Ukrainian people. Faced with brutal attack from Russia, the country needs any help it can get.
Reconstruction needs will be immense and are growing as Russia continues destroying critical and civil
infrastructure, not to speak of peoples lives and livelihoods. EVP Dombrovskis and his team are closely
involved in support work for Ukraine. The EVP leads the work on securing Micro-Financial Assistance to
Ukraine whose monthly budgetary gap is estimated at USD 5 bn. We are also following the impact of war in
Ukraine on European economy. Last, but not least, food security issues are at the centre of everyone’s
attention with Russia blocking the export of grain from Ukrainian Black Sea ports or stealing it.
Second half of the meeting was dedicated to a debrief from the TTC meeting in Paris. Parties agreed that
involvement and dialogue with stakeholders is key for the TTC to succeed.
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