Rebuilding Ukraine: Moving from Ambition to Action

This year's theme at the European Forum Alpbach was “How Europe Wins”. Politicians, policymakers and senior business representatives discussed how Europe must adapt to regain its lead on the critical issues that will shape its future. At the forum, RBI hosted the panel "Rebuild with Ukraine: Moving Ambition to Action", bringing together Wolfgang Anzengruber, Government Coordinator for Ukraine Reconstruction, Artem Rybchenko from Ukraine's Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories, Markus Mitteregger, CEO of RAG AG, Bettina Gusenbauer, Head ofr Corporate Affairs at ÖBB, and myself to discuss what I consider one of the most decisive issues for Europe's future: the reconstruction of Ukraine.

When we think about rebuilding Ukraine, we must first consider the enormous challenges resulting from the destruction the country has suffered during more than four years of full-scale war. Today, the ongoing war remains a major challenge for Ukraine and Europe. But every crisis also creates opportunities. I believe that rebuilding Ukraine will be one of the most significant economic transformation projects Europe will see in the coming decades.

Ukraine has the opportunity not simply to restore what was lost, but to build a modern, competitive and resilient economy. For businesses, investors and financial institutions, this represents both a responsibility and a historic business and investment opportunity. The scale of reconstruction required for the war-torn economy is immense. Rebuilding homes, critical infrastructure, energy systems, transport networks and businesses will require countless projects and billions of euros in investment, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, industry and logistics. These are sectors in which the expertise of Austrian and Central and Eastern European (CEE) companies will be urgently needed.

For international companies, the opportunity extends well beyond reconstruction itself. Ukraine's integration with Europe, its highly skilled workforce, strong agricultural base, growing technology sector and strategic importance for future European supply chains create compelling long-term prospects. Companies that engage early, build local partnerships and develop market expertise today will be well positioned to participate in Ukraine's future growth while contributing to the country's recovery. Large-scale reconstruction requires private capital. Yet while many companies express interest in investing in Ukraine, relatively few projects have moved from discussion to implementation. The reasons are understandable. Investors require stability, a secure business environment and strong institutions that enable investment planning and project execution. However, the war is ongoing and uncertainty remains. Nevertheless, certain investments and projects are already possible. Making them happen is where banks such as RBI can play a critical role:

Raiffeisen has been present in Ukraine for many years and continues to stand alongside the country. Our nearly 5,000 colleagues in Ukraine support customers every day under extraordinarily challenging circumstances. Our long-standing presence, local relationships and experience allow us to support the country in these difficult times:

First, we are well positioned to connect international investors, businesses and development institutions with Ukrainian partners to create concrete reconstruction projects.

Second, we can enable these projects through tailored financing solutions, risk-sharing structures and partnerships with international financial institutions, local businesses and authorities. Our solutions can create the stability and predictable conditions required for private-sector investment projects.

Recent reconstruction projects and activities underline this, including new facilities with the EBRD and export agency-backed financing projects. We are also exploring further investments and partnerships that can accelerate reconstruction and economic development. This positions RBI as the go-to bank for reconstruction projects in Ukraine and supports our broader mission: to take a leading role in empowering the long-term transformation and development of Ukraine's economy and society after the war. The path ahead will not be easy. But reconstruction is already happening, and every successful project helps create momentum for the next one. Ukraine is rebuilding its future while defending its territory and people. We believe this requires partners with a strategic perspective and a long-term commitment.

RBI is certainly one of them.

Rainer Schnabl is a Member of the Management Board of RBI with responsibility for Corporate & Investment Banking. His focus includes international client business, financing solutions and investment initiatives across Central and Eastern Europe.