A working meeting took place at the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine with representatives of the German analytical center Berlin Economics — Senior Consultant for Energy and Climate Policy Pavlo Bilek and Analyst Yiğit Tahmisoğlu. Deputy Minister Maryna Denysiuk also joined the meeting on behalf of the Ministry.
To reduce harmful emissions, it is necessary to modernize public transport considering the technological features of each type and transition to more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions. Thanks to its strong engineering schools and production experience, Ukraine has the potential to become a strategic EU partner in the development of modern eco-friendly urban transport.
The parties discussed the launch of the research project “Sectoral Strategy for the Development of Electric Public Transport Production in Ukraine,” aimed at conducting a systematic assessment of Ukraine’s potential to manufacture and modernize electric transport. This will help integrate Ukrainian production capacities into the European market and attract investment into the sector.
Most trams and trolleybuses currently meet outdated environmental standards. In addition, part of the public transport fleet has been damaged or destroyed due to attacks by the Russian army.
Maryna Denysiuk emphasized that the development of eco-friendly transport is one of the Ministry’s priorities. Accordingly, the program “Development of Public Electric Transport and Infrastructure” has been included in the Unified Project Portfolio, allowing the submission of public investment projects at the regional level. This enables communities to plan fleet updates for further financing opportunities.
“Our goal is to increase the localization of public transport production in Ukraine. Ukrainian manufacturers already offer competitive solutions, costing less than European equivalents. It is important that our factories have a stable order portfolio for several years ahead — this ensures continuous production, reduces costs, and strengthens competitiveness.
We aim to create conditions in which Ukrainian factories can fully participate in projects funded by international partners, creating jobs and added value within the country,” said Maryna Denysiuk.
The parties also discussed a comprehensive recovery approach, which combines infrastructure reconstruction with business development. Localizing electric transport production is seen as a tool that will provide regions with new jobs and strengthen their economic capacity.
The results of Berlin Economics’ research are expected to form the basis for further decisions in the areas of green transition and post-war industrial recovery in Ukraine.
Reference: In cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB), two projects are currently being implemented in Ukraine to modernize the urban electric public transport fleet, including in frontline regions, with a total value of €300 million. This year, 58 electric buses have already been delivered to Mykolaiv, Kremenchuk, and other cities.
