Boosting Ukraine’s energy, small businesses and strategic industries: EU–Ukraine Business Summit unveils new investment package

On 22-23 April 2026, Brussels hosted the EU-Ukraine Business Summit. The event was co-organised by the European Commission, Ukraine's Government, and Poland as host of the 2026 Ukraine Recovery Conference, bringing together over 1,000 business leaders, policymakers, and investors.

The Summit focused on mobilising investment for Ukraine's recovery, with priorities including energy, critical raw materials, transport infrastructure and dual-use technologies. Discussions also aimed to strengthen private sector engagement through reforms, financing, and risk-mitigation tools.

On this occasion, the European Commission unveiled a €1.2 billion investment package to support priority infrastructure projects, strengthen energy resilience and dual use sector, while boosting small businesses in Ukraine. The financing, provided under the Ukraine Investment Framework, brings together key partners including the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Eximbanka, and Slovak Aid.

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said: "Now is a good time to invest in Ukraine. It is becoming one of the most strategic investment destinations in Europe. Innovative, full of potential, and ever more central to Europe's future. Cooperations between EU and Ukrainian companies also lay the foundation for more European sovereignty in critical technology sectors."

A B2B matchmaking platform was also launched at this year's Summit, facilitating meetings between companies, investors, and off-takers for over 300 participants. Developed by the Enterprise Europe Network in partnership with Ukrainian and EU industry clusters, and supported by the European Commission, it aims to further foster business relations throughout the year.

Boosting Ukraine's strategic industries

The European Union is stepping up efforts to boost investment in Ukraine's dual-use sectors. That is, sectors that have both civilian and defence applications. These range from next-generation drone manufacturing to advanced navigation and communication systems, aeronautical and space technologies, and key metallurgical capacities.

These industries will be vital for Ukraine's future economy. They will make the country less reliant on heavy industry and more on high technology, ensuring Ukraine's recovery and long-term resilience.

In this context, the Commission announced a new cooperation programme on emerging and disruptive technologies with Ukraine's Ministry of Defence. To be implemented by the National Development Institution of Ukraine, the programme will provide €140 million in guarantees and €21 million in grants under the EU's Ukraine Investment Framework, with the aim of unlocking upto €400 million in financing for companies int the sector.

In parallel, EU Member States' financial institutions also signed a Joint Statement at the Summit, underscoring collective efforts to mobilise resources for dual use sectors.

Early successes include the emergence of new EU-Ukrainian joint ventures in robotics and unmanned ground vehicles between Shark Robotics and Tencore, as well as in space technology between GomSpace and Stetman. These partnerships mark a strategic step in industrial cooperation, strengthening Ukraine's strategic industries, securing EU supply chains, and fostering technological exchange.

Investment package for energy and critical infrastructure

Energy supply will remain the defining challenge for Ukraine's economy. The EU has therefore stepped up its support to the country's electricity sector, helping ensure that production chains continue to operate and that businesses and public services remain functional. To this end, a new €93 million investment programme will be developed in cooperation with Eximbanka and Slovak Aid.

In addition, the EU has signed a Statement of Intent with the European Investment Bank to support priority infrastructure projects across Ukraine in transport, connectivity, and social infrastructure. Nearly €600 million will be allocated to develop roads, rails and border crossing points, as well as to rehabilitate education facilities and shelters for public services.

Social inclusion and economic resilience through SME support

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Ukraine's economy, and their performance is essential for social inclusion. They generate the majority of jobs and, in the context of Russia's war of aggression, have been among the most vulnerable.

In response, the European Commission, together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, is consolidating SME investment programmes under the Ukraine Investment Framework, with over €360 million in financial support. Particular is given to enterprises displaced or affected by the war, those operating near conflict zones, and companies owned or managed by war veterans or internally displaced persons, as well as youth- and female-led businesses and start-ups. This support aims to unlock up to €2.9 billion in new lending for SMEs.

Next steps

The upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland, scheduled for 25-26 June 2026, will further strengthen partnerships and advance investment projects.

In the meantime, the European Commission continues to actively seek mature investment proposals under its Calls for Expressions of Interest. Businesses, particularly EU-Ukrainian joint ventures in strategic industrial sectors, are encouraged to submit projects via the dedicated online platform.

For More Information

• Ukraine Investment Framework - Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood
• Ukraine Investment Framework

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