On December 15-16, a delegation from the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs (SUP) participated in international strategic dialogues focused on recovery and attracting investment to Ukraine. Key events included the 8th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum and the Berlin-Ukrainian Strategic Cooperation Forum.
The 8th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum was held in Berlin under the theme “Resilience in Action – Partnership in Progress.” The event served as a high-level platform for strategic dialogue between Ukrainian and German businesses, governments, financial institutions, and experts regarding Ukraine’s reconstruction, investment attraction, the development of public-private partnerships, and long-term economic cooperation.
The event was organized by the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Ukraine), the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), and the German Eastern Business Association (OA). The participation of government representatives from both countries, top executives, investors, and bankers—alongside speeches by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz—underscored the strategic importance of the Ukrainian-German partnership during the war and post-war recovery.
Memorandum between SUP and AHK Ukraine
During the forum, the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Ukraine). The document lays the groundwork for expanding practical interaction between Ukrainian entrepreneurs and German companies, developing direct business contacts, and establishing a structured, ongoing dialogue between the business communities of both nations.
The Memorandum envisions strengthening cooperation in investments, joint projects, and information exchange, as well as supporting companies entering the markets of Ukraine and Germany. For SUP, this is another step in its consistent efforts to integrate Ukrainian entrepreneurs into the European business community.
Investing in Ukraine: Barriers and Growth Points
On December 16, SUP and its partners co-organized and actively participated in the Berlin-Ukrainian Strategic Cooperation Forum. Participants included members of the SUP Board of Directors and Union members, such as: Ihor Humennyi (President of UBC Group), Vitaliy Ilchenko (Founder of UKRAVIT), Denys Bazylevych (GR Director of Nova Global, Nova Group), and Hryhoriy Shverk (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of General Chereshnia).
The presence of Ukrainian entrepreneurs from various industries provided the discussions with practical case studies and specific business requests.
A dedicated focus was placed on investments in Ukraine. Despite high interest from Western partners, real capital inflow remains limited. Participants discussed deterrents such as security risks, regulatory uncertainty, and the lack of predictable “rules of the game,” as well as whether cooperation in MilTech could serve as a catalyst for broader business partnerships.
Common “Rules of the Game” for Investors
In her speech, SUP Executive Director Kateryna Glazkova outlined the key barriers currently shaping the investment decisions of Ukrainian and European companies.
According to SUP research, three critical obstacles are most frequently cited: the war and security risks, regulatory uncertainty combined with weak rule of law, and limited access to capital amid high operating costs.
European investors voice similar concerns through the lens of judicial independence, regulatory predictability, and investment protection. This alignment of positions demonstrates that there is no conflict of interest between Ukrainian and Western businesses — both sides expect clear, transparent, and stable rules of the game.
MilTech as an Entry Point for Partnerships
The role of MilTech and dual-use technologies was highlighted as a new platform for cooperation with European partners. The rapid growth of this sector is forming a broad ecosystem — ranging from energy solutions and AI to materials, logistics, manufacturing, and cybersecurity.
SUP research shows that investors see the greatest potential in joint ventures, R&D collaboration, and contract manufacturing, which allow for the combination of Ukrainian speed and innovation with European capital and market access.
EU Market Access Tools
Regarding Ukrainian companies entering EU markets, particularly Germany, Kateryna Glazkova emphasized the importance of systemic tools—ranging from structured matchmaking to joint incubators, export hubs, and “soft-landing” hubs. She noted that none of these tools work in isolation; their effectiveness lies in their combination with a predictable regulatory environment.
SUP sees its role as a bridge between Ukrainian and German business: helping companies become reliable partners for the EU while creating conditions for European investors to work confidently in Ukraine.
The two-day program in Berlin was a vital step in deepening the dialogue between Ukrainian and German businesses, forming new partnerships, and developing practical solutions for Ukraine’s economic resilience and recovery within the European context.