Joint Communiqué - Strengthening EU–Ukraine Business Partnership: High-Level Roundtable in Rome

On the eve of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the European Union, the Government of Ukraine and business leaders from the EU and Ukraine marked a significant step forward in strengthening the EU–Ukraine business partnership at a high-level round table chaired by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko.

European businesses have a vital role to play in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. Opportunities are growing across sectors like renewable energy, digital innovation, agri- business, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. With the support of the EU’s Ukraine Investment Framework and Ukraine’s alignment with EU standards, the environment is increasingly open and attractive for responsible investments. The reform process driven by the Government of Ukraine is also helping to build investors’ confidence and long-term partnerships.

Today’s roundtable sets in motion the implementation of the Joint Statement on Strengthening the EU–Ukraine Business Partnership, issued in April 2025 by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Commissioner Marta Kos during the EU–Ukraine Business Summit in Brussels.

• The first key area of cooperation is the delivery of business environment reforms: Ukraine has made substantive progress in various areas such as the implementation of the Public Investment Management reform, vital for efficient reconstruction and partners’ confidence. Today’s roundtable was the opportunity to hear from CEOs of major companies present in Ukraine and from business associations how they perceive the business environment and investment climate, and which reforms can make Ukraine more attractive to the private sector.
• Secondly, we committed to mobilizing financing for Ukraine’s reconstruction, notably via the EU’s Ukraine Investment Framework providing EUR 9,3 billion in guarantees and blended finance grants until 2027, which is delivering new investments at speed and at scale: For examples, in the west of Ukraine, the construction of a new wind farm that will generate close to 150 MW of green electricity has already started. UIF has also unlocked investment in the country’s first soy protein concentrate plant, creating high value-added agricultural exports. Specialised lending programmes are supporting small and medium- sized enterprises, with a focus on veterans, women, youth, and internally displaced entrepreneurs across Ukraine.
• Thirdly, we have joined forces on promoting Ukraine as an investment destination: Our engagement with business leaders in EU member state capitals has yielded vivid interest from the business community. After a successful first round with robust participation, the Commission has reopened its Call for Expressions of Interest from EU and Ukrainian businesses to invest in Ukraine, which is accepting investment proposals of EUR 50 million or more in priority sectors until October 10, 2025. Ukraine’s new Foreign Direct Investment mobilization strategy, along with business opportunities arising from privatisation and public procurement for infrastructure projects, make Ukraine a market not to miss out on in 2025. 

Ground-breaking investments in various sectors show Ukraine’s capacity for scaling and innovation Companies participating in today’s round table are committed to sharing their experience on the Ukrainian market to pave the way for future investors.

The European Commission and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine will continue to deepen our direct cooperation with the private sector for Ukraine’s reconstruction, including through dedicated events such as the upcoming second edition of the EU-Ukraine Investment Conference in Warsaw on November 13 - 14