Funding remains one of the key factors in turning reconstruction ideas into concrete projects. Which programmes are available to Ukrainian and Norwegian companies, where to find current opportunities, and what needs to be considered to successfully secure funding were discussed during an open webinar organised by Construction City Cluster and SINTEF.
The event took place as part of the Norway–Ukraine Building and Construction Hub project, implemented by the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs (SUP) with the participation of SINTEF, the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, and other international and sector-specific organisations. Representatives of Innovation Norway, the European Commission, NEFCO, and the business community joined the discussion.
Norwegian Support Instruments
Representatives of Norwegian institutions presented available support programmes for Ukrainian-Norwegian projects and shared practical recommendations for companies planning to operate in Ukraine.
Kjartan Tveitnes, Managing Director of the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, presented the main Norwegian programmes, ranging from project preparation financing to loans, guarantees, grants, and investments. He also highlighted the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, as well as opportunities offered by Innovation Norway, Norfund, and Export Finance Norway.
Ole Henæs, Head of Innovation Norway’s Office in Ukraine, emphasised that companies should start looking for funding at the early stages of project preparation. He advised foreign companies seeking to operate in Ukraine to find reliable local partners, maintain a physical presence in the market, and systematically build relationships with Ukrainian businesses, communities, financial institutions, and international organisations.
Opportunities under the Ukraine Investment Framework
Jeanne Robles, Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), presented the opportunities available under the Ukraine Investment Framework, the investment component of the Ukraine Facility, with a total budget of €9.6 billion.
The instrument supports public and private projects through EU guarantees, blended finance, grants, and technical assistance. Priority areas include energy, transport, construction, critical raw materials, and access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses.
The funds already allocated under the instrument are expected to help mobilise more than €25 billion in investment.
Green Recovery of Ukrainian Communities
Anne Mette Guerrero, Investment Adviser at NEFCO, presented the opportunities available under the NEFCO Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine. Since 2022, the programme has mobilised €520 million for projects in critical infrastructure, water supply and wastewater management, district heating, energy efficiency, waste management, and housing for internally displaced persons.
Companies can participate in the implementation of these projects through open tenders announced by Ukrainian communities. For Norwegian and other international participants, having a local partner is an important advantage, as they have knowledge of the Ukrainian market, legislation, and the specifics of operating in wartime conditions.
Bergen Engines’ Experience in Ukraine
John Kristian Johnsen, Head of Global Sales at Bergen Engines, shared the company’s experience of operating in Ukraine. He spoke about the implementation of energy projects with a total capacity of around 250 MW, as well as the key conditions for successful operations in the Ukrainian market.
According to him, partnerships with Ukrainian companies, a physical presence in the country, and participation in international tenders were among the key factors behind the company’s success. At the same time, he highlighted security risks, long construction timelines, and the need to train local contractors to work with new equipment as key challenges.
We thank our partners for organising the webinar, the meaningful discussion, practical experience, and the cases presented. The Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs (SUP) will continue to develop Ukrainian-Norwegian cooperation and create new opportunities for the reconstruction of Ukraine.