Ukraine is becoming a new hotspot for profitable investment for European businesses. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized this during the Ukraine-EU Business Summit held in Brussels on April 10.
"Today, Ukraine is not just a battlefield but also a field of opportunities. We can become a net donor and exporter of security, energy, critical resources, and digital breakthroughs," the Head of the Ukrainian Government stated.
According to Shmyhal, cooperation with the EU enables Ukraine to become one of the key hubs for continental energy security, with huge potential in renewable energy, hydrogen, and biomethane, as well as full synchronization of its power grid with the European system.
“Our underground gas storage facilities, the largest in Europe, can increase the continent’s overall gas storage capacity by 25%. Our gas reserves are the second largest in Europe. All this creates a unique opportunity for strategic investors,” the Prime Minister noted.
Critical raw materials are another promising sector for European business investments, as the EU currently imports a significant portion of such materials. Shmyhal stressed that Ukraine can help change this by providing a reliable local source of raw materials for European industry, laying the foundation for a new industrial revolution — Made in Europe.
The Prime Minister also believes that Ukraine’s reconstruction could become the largest economic project in Europe in generations.
“We are talking about building new housing for millions, modernizing transport corridors, ports, and railways to European standards, and restoring energy infrastructure,” he said.
Shmyhal paid special attention to the development of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex.
“Europe needs rearmament and defense autonomy. Ukraine can become its industrial heart. We invite European defense companies to cooperate: we have highly qualified personnel, production facilities, and state incentives for investors,” he emphasized.
Agriculture is also crucial. Investments in this sector not only offer broad business opportunities but also contribute to global food security. The Prime Minister noted that Ukraine currently feeds 400 million people worldwide.
In the medium term, the country plans to double its agricultural exports, providing substantial support to the private sector for investment in this area.
Shmyhal also highlighted the achievements of Ukraine’s IT industry. Last year, IT service exports reached nearly $7 billion, and the sector now unites more than 300,000 top-tier specialists. He emphasized Ukraine’s leadership in digitalization through the Diia platform, which offers dozens of government services via smartphone.
“In the digital sphere, Ukraine and the EU together can make a leap forward — one that is essential to win in global competition. This bridge between our tech ecosystems must only grow stronger,” the Prime Minister said.
He also emphasized that Ukraine is implementing European rules and legislation in all sectors.
Shmyhal called on European businesses to invest in Ukraine, which is confidently moving toward EU membership.
