According to the East Committee of German Business, German companies are already planning extensive investments in Ukraine for the period following the end of the war. Michael Harms, the committee’s managing director, stated that they observe a growing interest among new investors focused on strong growth prospects after peace is achieved, and that these investors are already taking steps to prepare for it.
A major draw for these potential investments is the intended integration of Ukraine into the European single market and the necessary adoption of EU standards. Harms noted that the EU regulatory framework itself acts as a crucial reform anchor for the country, asserting that the rapid uptake of EU rules improves the overall investment climate, making this process valuable to the economy in itself. While the German government expects Ukraine’s full membership in the EU will take several years, the business association advocates for tying Ukraine closely into these European structures in specific areas, such as access to the single market or integration into European infrastructure, at an earlier stage. According to Harms, this proximity creates necessary planning certainty for businesses and helps facilitate long-term investment decisions.
However, for investments to accelerate further, several existing hurdles must be swiftly removed. These obstacles include limited insurance coverage, financing gaps, and regulatory uncertainties. To foster deeper engagement, the committee stressed the need for comprehensive state guarantees, transparent tendering processes, and continued progress in realizing the rule of law and combating corruption.