Ukraine to get EIB guidance on advancing priority infrastructure projects

Ukraine will receive guidance from the European Investment Bank (EIB) on accelerating the preparation of large-scale development projects and supporting the reconstruction of critical infrastructure such as road, energy and railway networks.

The EIB and the Government of Ukraine, acting through its Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, signed a cooperation agreement on the matter on 28 April, in Kyiv. 

The accord establishes a framework for the EIB to work with Ukrainian authorities to carry out investment projects as Ukraine pursues European Union membership.

“This agreement is an important step in supporting Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession plans through well-prepared investments,” said EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer. “Strong project preparation is essential to ensure that infrastructure investments are delivered efficiently, attract financing and meet European standards.”

The accord is part of the programme called Ukraine FIRST – short for Ukraine Facility for Infrastructure Reconstruction. The programme is a project-preparation initiative developed jointly by the EIB, the European Commission and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with over €40 million in funding to date. The goal is to help Ukraine turn priority infrastructure needs into ready-to-finance projects through essential preparation work such as feasibility studies, technical design and environmental assessments.

Under the agreement, EIB Advisory will begin work on an initial project focused on the M15 highway that connects Odesa in southern Ukraine with the Romanian border, providing a transport plan for the Odesa region and contributing to the modernisation of a key road route. Strengthening the M15 corridor will improve access to ports on the Danube River, support Ukraine’s trade and enhance the country’s connectivity with the EU.

The agreement also paves the way for the EIB to support other projects selected by the Ukrainian government through its ‘Single Project Pipeline’ over the coming years. Subsequent projects are expected to be for potential investments in energy and railway infrastructure.

Find out more

Press release