On February 20, in Kyiv, Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev and French Ambassador to Ukraine Gael Vesier signed an intergovernmental agreement (AIG) on the renewal of the replenishment fund for critical infrastructure and priority sectors of the Ukrainian economy (Ukraine Fund II). The signing took place in the presence of Muriel Lacoue-Labarthe, Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for Ukraine’s Relief and Reconstruction.
“France disburses an additional EUR 71 million for the implementation of private sector projects in Ukraine. These funds will be available to French companies interested in long-term partnerships with Ukrainian businesses, technology transfer, and creating added value within our country. We are grateful to France for its consistent support. Thanks to the previous Grant Agreement, 19 projects are already being implemented in the fields of energy, health, water and sanitation, as well as digital solutions. They strengthen our economic resilience and set the standard for long-term recovery,” said Oleksii Sobolev.
The Ukraine Fund II will finance projects that contribute to the restoration of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure in priority sectors such as healthcare, transport, energy, agriculture, water supply, irrigation and sanitation, waste management, humanitarian demining, and housing construction and digitization. The list may be expanded in line with Ukraine’s strategic priorities.
The call for projects for French companies has already started and will run until April 9. Any French company can apply, but priority will be given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Projects must meet five criteria:
– Respond to an official request from the Ukrainian Government;
– The maximum amount of support is EUR 7 million, including insurance costs;
– Short implementation period – up to 16 months – and low operating costs;
– Support for French exports – at least 50% French component;
– Comply with environmental and social standards (carbon neutrality, reduction of the informal economy, positive impact on the environment and biodiversity).
The projects will be implemented in 2027. (Government portal)