EU and UNDP officially launch EUR 50 million EU4Recovery Phase II partnership for Ukraine

EU and UNDP officially launch EUR 50 million EU4Recovery Phase II partnership for Ukraine

New phase of the partnership scales up integrated, area-based support to strengthen local governance, decentralized social and health service delivery, economic recovery and social cohesion in war-affected communities.

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have officially launched Phase II of EU4Recovery, a strategic partnership between the EU and UNDP aimed at supporting war-affected communities across Ukraine while advancing the country's path towards EU integration.

Building on the strong results of Phase I, which supported more than 100 communities in 2022-2025, the new phase will deliver equipment, infrastructure upgrades, capacity-building, technical assistance, training and targeted support to strengthen local authorities' ability to lead recovery and reform processes.

With a total budget of EUR 50 million for 2026-2028, the partnership will enhance decentralized social and health services, promote economic recovery and strengthen social cohesion, with a particular focus on veterans, youth and people returning to their homes.

The official launch of EU4Recovery Phase II coincides with a joint EU-UNDP visit to partner regions, where representatives will meet with local authorities and residents to discuss the outcomes of UNDP's Area-Based Recovery (ABR) approach in helping communities plan, coordinate and deliver essential services during wartime.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said: "The EU remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine's recovery and its path towards EU membership, even in the most challenging conditions. Through the next phase of the EU4Recovery flagship partnership, we are expanding our support to regions and war-affected communities to strengthen essential services, enhance community safety and promote economic recovery, job creation and veteran reintegration. The EU will continue to stand with Ukraine so that today's efforts build the foundation for a free, modern and European country."

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the role of local institutions in delivering recovery and resilience: "At the core of any lasting progress are institutions that people trust and systems that respond to real needs. EU4Recovery Phase II is about enhancing that foundation and enabling communities not only to address current challenges but also to shape their own future," he said. "This approach connects investments in transparent and inclusive services, social cohesion and local democracy, helping to create the conditions for communities to remain resilient and forward-looking."

Background

The partnership is being implemented across priority regions particularly affected by the war, including Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. In addition, EU4Recovery is providing targeted support in Poltava, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi, Odesa, Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (with a focus on displaced community structures and internally displaced persons).

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: [email protected]