June 24, 2026 - “More than four years after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine still demonstrates remarkable economic resilience. Despite heavy burdens, economy and administration continue to function relatively well. Many German companies maintain high interest in Ukraine. To turn this interest into more trade and investments, the framework conditions need further improvement.

First, companies need proper ways to finance and secure their projects. Demand for investment and export credit guarantees is high, yet actual volumes fall short of expectations. Especially under war conditions, dependable instruments, adequate state risk-sharing, and broad access to financing are crucial.

Second, advancing reforms and Ukraine’s alignment with the European Union is essential. Greater legal certainty, reduced bureaucracy, and faster adoption of European regulations foster trust and planning security – improving the foundation for economic cooperation at eye level.

Third, successful models of German-Ukrainian cooperation in the defense sector should be extended to other areas. Where joint projects are pragmatically organized and procurement processes accelerated, tangible results manifest quickly. This principle should be more applied in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

The reconstruction of Ukraine is far more than a matter of solidarity. By connecting businesses, it offers the chance to strengthen economic ties across Europe’s neighborhood and build new foundations for German-Ukrainian relations. Areas like energy, digitalization, agriculture, and defense hold specifically exploitable potential. As the Ukraine Recovery Conference demonstrates: Ukraine’s reconstruction is a shared economic opportunity for Europe.”