Commissioner Kos and Prime Minister Shmyhal launched new business partnership and called on EU companies to invest in Ukraine’s reconstruction at EU-Ukraine Business Summit

From 10 to 11 April, Brussels hosted the EU-Ukraine Business Summit. Co-organised by the European Commission, the Government of Ukraine, the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, and Italy – as host of the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference – the Summit brought together over 700 key stakeholders. Discussions focused on Ukraine’s reconstruction and the vital reforms needed to unlock investment and strengthen the country’s business climate, within the broader context of Europe’s reindustrialisation agenda. Held under the motto “EU support and accession driving Ukraine’s economic recovery”, the Summit offered a high-level forum to discuss the role of the EU’s Ukraine Facility in supporting recovery efforts, including rebuilding infrastructure and industry, de-risking wartime investment, and boosting access to finance for SMEs and war-affected communities.

On this occasion, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal launched a new EU-Ukraine Business Partnership through a Joint Statement. Titled ‘Strengthening the EU-Ukraine Business Partnership’, the Statement underscored the EU’s steadfast commitment to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression and to step up its political leadership at this critical time. This strategic initiative aims to deepen economic and investment ties between the EU and Ukraine, accelerate Ukraine’s recovery, and support its path towards EU accession and integration into the EU Single Market. It focuses on three key areas: advancing business environment reforms, mobilising large-scale investment, and promoting Ukraine as an attractive investment destination. To maintain momentum and assess progress, the EU and Ukraine also agreed to hold regular high-level meetings with the business community.

The European Commission also announced a second Call for Expressions of Interest to encourage EU companies to invest in Ukraine’s reconstruction. This new Call builds on the success of the first one launched in November 2024, which received over 110 applications from companies across 21 Member States, demonstrating strong business engagement across the EU. The new Call will remain open until 10 October 2025. Proposals from EU businesses, including joint ventures with Ukrainian partners, will be assessed for alignment with EU priorities and matched with financing opportunities under the Ukraine Investment Framework.

A press conference with Commissioner Marta Kos, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna, and Poland’s Minister for European Union Affairs Adam Szłapka took place on 10 April from 10:20 to 10:50, and was broadcast live on EbS.