George Soros: “Europe must help Ukraine overcome economic crisis”

European countries must offer assistance to Ukraine in a struggle against economic crisis, suggested a businessman and public figure George Soros in his speech at the 5th Davos Ukrainian Lunch organised by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation and the international investment advisory group EastOne.

"Europe should give Ukraine a chance to go through this period", stated Soros having remarked that escalation of economic crisis in Ukraine will result in serious social consequences. In his opinion, to avert them Ukraine has to implement EBRD's programmes on creating alternative jobs and developing human capital.

"In early 90s Europe refused to help Ukraine and other ex-USSR countries, - reminded George Soros. - And now is paying a high price for this. We must learn the lessons from the past".

Background:

Davos Ukrainian Lunch held by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation since 2005 has already become a customary event in Davos. The objective of the conference is to promote Ukraine among Western elites and help better understand political and investment climate of the country. This year's conference "Crisis: In & Out" focuses on such issues as the impact of the economic crisis on Ukraine and the whole world, as well as feasible strategies for crisis tackling.

The key speakers at the Davos Ukrainian Lunch include Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine on European and International Integration Hryhory Nemyrya; Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Ex-speaker of Parliament of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk; financier, investor and philanthropist George Soros; famous columnist of The New York Times newspaper Thomas Friedman. The former European Commissioner for External Relations, Chancellor of the University of Oxford and Co-chairman of the International Crisis Group Chris Pattern will moderate the discussion.