Opportunities for Lower Austria: million-euro investments in Ukraine!

Opportunities for Lower Austria: million-euro investments in Ukraine!

Ukraine - On June 12, 2025, the IV Economic Salon took place as part of the Wachau Europe Forum, in which current challenges were discussed by economic faults and global competition. At a time when supply chains and the supply of clean energy are of central importance, the discussants put the role of the Lower Austrian economy and industry in the foreground. Among the speakers were Kari Ochsner from the IV-NÖ, Andreas Matthä from ÖBB, Achim Kaspar von Verbund and Hanna Zamazeeva from the state energy agency of Ukraine.

Kari Ochsner emphasized three significant economic chances for the Austrian industry. Germany is planning an investment of 500 billion euros in the modernization of its infrastructure. At the EU level, 800 billion euros are also invested in defense and infrastructure projects. The most important concern, however, is the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, which is estimated at up to 700 billion euros. Ochsner reported on a current visit to Ukraine, which illustrated the optimism and suffering of the people there.

reconstruction of Ukraine: strategies and goals

Ukraine recently published a comprehensive reconstruction plan, which includes 850 projects over a period of ten years. According to reports from WKO , principles such as "Build Back Better", immediate measures and the gradual acceleration of the EU integration are to be integrated into the plan. The aim is to promote comprehensive reforms for the modernization and economic development of the country. The reconstruction activities are currently focusing on the repair and reconstruction of houses as well as the restoration of health and energy supply.

In order to realize the reconstruction, the EU has launched Ukraine facility for the years 2024 to 2027, which provides up to 50 billion euros for economic support and the reconstruction. The EBRD has already granted 3 billion euros in financial aid and is planning a capital increase of up to 5 billion euros. The European institutions support Ukraine comprehensively, not only financially, but also by creating suitable legal framework conditions.

private investments as a key to success

A central aspect of the reconstruction of Ukraine is mobilizing private investments. An agreement between the European Commission and the International Development Bank IFC should provide up to 90 million euros in financial guarantees as part of the "Better Futures Program". It is expected that over 500 million euros in private investments will flow into essential infrastructures. These funds should serve in particular to promote decarbonization and goods production in the Ukrainian market.

The city of Kyjiw offers Austrian companies support in business processing and partner search to provide access to the Ukrainian market. The Austrian control bank (OEKB) and the foreign trade center are important partners who accompany companies in their projects in Ukraine.