An important meeting of the Employers’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) took place in Brussels. The meeting included a debate on the topic: “Challenges Facing the Ukrainian Private Sector on the Path to EU Membership.” Kateryna Glazkova, Executive Director of Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs (SUP), the largest independent business association in Ukraine, uniting over 1300 companies from all sectors of the economy, was one of the representatives of the Ukrainian business delegation.
What European Investors Expect
SUP spoke about the results of a study conducted with the participation of over 300 companies from Ukraine and six EU countries, aimed at better understanding European investors’ expectations and the barriers hindering cooperation.
Growth Opportunities vs. Barriers to Cooperation
- Despite the war, over 70% of Ukrainian companies continue to grow and invest. And over 40% of European companies are ready to do so. The greatest interest is in infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy. The potential exists, but it must be accompanied by clear rules and reduced risks.
- The main obstacles are the same for both sides: corruption, bureaucracy, unclear legislation, and lack of investor protection. These are not only Ukrainian problems but common challenges, the resolution of which benefits everyone.
- Today, there are many international financial instruments – from grants to loan programs. However, access to them for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, is often complicated: procedures are too convoluted, conditions are unclear, and some key sectors are completely overlooked. Businesses need flexible, simple, and adapted support tools – convenient grants, accessible loans, and quality consulting assistance.
Platform for Action for International Partnership
SUP does not just voice problems – we work to solve them. We are actively involved in Ukraine’s negotiation process with the EU, participate in 18 working groups at the Ministry of Economy, and are launching specialized platforms to connect Ukrainian companies with international investors. We unite over 20 innovative players in the infrastructure and logistics sector – one of the priority areas for European partners.