The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) plans to invest at least €1.5 billion ($1.56 billion) this year to support Ukraine’s economy and businesses during the war.
This was stated by EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso in an interview with Reuters.
The official said that the bank will focus on Ukraine’s private sector, particularly on energy following multiple Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, as well as on national and municipal infrastructure.
"Our plan is to maintain this level of investment. At a minimum, we aim to secure €1.5 billion in investments, but if we can do more..., we will," said Renaud-Basso during her visit to Kyiv.
She noted that the bank’s activities are demand-driven, and it is ready to increase its investments in Ukraine to approximately €3 billion per year after the war ends.
Ukraine’s energy sector will be one of the key priorities this year and in the future, as projects for sector modernization and renewable energy development could drive private investments after the war ends.
"There is great potential, so this will generate significant interest from foreign investors, and it will create high activity in the country – this will truly stimulate growth dynamics," said the EBRD president.
In Kyiv, Renaud-Basso met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During a press briefing, the official stated that the EBRD will implement more projects where they will provide equity capital for companies operating in Ukraine.
Another priority, according to the bank’s president, is supporting "Ukrzaliznytsia" and its transformation, Ukrinform reports.
The EBRD will also continue assisting in the field of cargo transportation insurance in Ukraine.
"This was something that was missing because the market completely collapsed, and we hope to restore it as a potential opportunity for businesses to access such services," added Renaud-Basso.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the EBRD has intensified its operations in Ukraine, investing over €6.2 billion in various sectors.
In 2024, the bank allocated a record €2.4 billion to Ukraine.