Chrystia Freeland, Ukraine’s advisor, highlights Poland’s unique understanding of Ukraine’s challenges and potential after its economic transformation.
Ukraine’s Economic Transformation
Ukraine’s economic transformation is both a necessity and a huge challenge, according to Chrystia Freeland, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and now an advisor to the President of Ukraine. Poland, she notes, better understands than any other country the scale of difficulties Ukraine faces, as well as the potential that can be unlocked in the long term.
Polish-Ukrainian Economic Comparison
Freeland points out that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, GDP per capita levels in Poland and Ukraine were similar. Today, however, the Polish economy is in a completely different place, with Polish GDP per capita approximately five times higher than Ukraine’s.
Lessons from Poland’s Success
In Freeland’s view, Poland’s experience provides the best proof of what can be achieved through consistent reforms and a long-term development strategy. Despite Ukraine’s current challenges, both Ukrainians and Europeans should consider Poland’s experience as a real point of reference.