Partners are working on various frameworks to make investing in Ukraine attractive despite challenging conditions.
This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the 8th German-Ukrainian Business Forum on December 15 in Berlin.
The Chancellor said that in 2026, Germany, together with European partners, plans to launch a European flagship fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction to ensure large-scale investments with the participation of private investors. Berlin also supports the creation of a national Ukrainian foundational institution modeled on similar European structures, such as GAFW. The German government backs Ukrainian bilateral cooperation formats, including their adaptation.
“I appeal to all German and European companies: investing in Ukraine is investing in the future. Expand your business connections,” the Chancellor urged.
He positively noted that Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Katharina Reich, presented the new financial instrument “Ukraine Connect” at the business forum, aimed at Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Merz thanked German companies that remain active, continue economic activity in Ukraine, and support it despite difficult conditions. He also expressed gratitude for efforts to make investments in Ukraine and cooperation with Ukrainian partners possible.
The German head of government stressed that alongside state funding, significant private capital will be needed for sustainable strengthening and reconstruction of Ukraine. Despite Ukraine’s challenging external economic conditions, there are many opportunities for cooperation and considerable potential, particularly in the environmental sector, as well as in technology, agriculture, and defense; in raw materials, where German companies and institutions can support Ukraine in their development.
According to Merz, the federal government wants to ensure that this large potential for private-economic participation is used more effectively and that the framework conditions for cooperation between German and Ukrainian companies are further improved.
Merz reiterated that investing in Ukraine is investing in Europe’s future.
