GIZ Ukraine

Pavlohrad, a city in the Dnipropetrovsk region just 80 km from the front line, faces frequent air alarms and visible destruction. Yet many residents who have lived here all their lives, refuse to leave their homes, no matter how difficult the situation is.    The NGO “Women of Western Donbas” supports women affected by the war of aggression. Over the past year, its team has helped more than 3,000 women with humanitarian, psychological, and legal assistance.    One of them is Nina, 75, who lives alone after losing her husband. Despite constant shelling and constant fear for her family, she has not given up and has reached out for help. She now attends group sessions that bring her comfort and connection: “After the shelling, you come feeling anxious, but after some time together, it gets easier. These meetings heal my soul.”    Even in hardship, stories like Nina’s show the strength and resilience of Ukrainian women.     The NGO “Women of Western Donbas” is supported by the project “Strengthening Communities in War-Affected Regions in Ukraine through Localised Action (EMPOWER)”, implemented by GIZ Ukraine on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid. EU in Emergencies Holger Zahn Kateryna Syvash   #EUinEmergencies #BMZ #GermanCooperationUkraine #EMPOWER #GIZ

Today, the European Commission issued its 2025 Enlargement Package, which provides a structured, merit-based assessment of Ukraine’s progress and sets out the reform priorities that will determine the pace of accession. The Package reconfirms that enlargement remains high on the EU’s political agenda and that accession is “increasingly within reach” for committed partners.   For Ukraine, the report is particularly significant. Despite Russia’s ongoing war of aggression, Ukraine has successfully completed the screening process and adopted key Roadmaps on the rule of law, public administration and democratic institutions, as well as an Action plan on national minorities. The Commission notes Ukraine’s ambition to close accession negotiation as soon as possible. At the same time, it clearly states that this is only feasible if reform efforts are further accelerated – especially on fundamentals, in particular the rule of law. This is fully in line with the EU’s merit-based approach: the more credible and sustained the reforms, the faster the accession track.   As Ukraine moves forward on its EU integration path, GIZ Ukraine stands ready to continue supporting Ukrainian institutions in addressing the recommendations outlined in the report. We implement projects on behalf of the German government that contribute to strengthening good governance, advancing the rule of law, promoting climate and energy, and supporting economic resilience—core priorities for Ukraine’s European future. Through close cooperation with Ukrainian ministries, local authorities, and civil society, GIZ provides technical assistance, capacity building, and practical solutions that bring the country closer to EU standards. Together with our partners, we remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s reform agenda and its citizens’ aspirations for a democratic, sustainable, and prosperous European future. John Morijn, Lead Legal Expert of the Strengthening Ukraine's EU Alignment in the Rule of Law project, shares his reflections 👇 #EUAccession #UkraineReforms #GIZ #TeamEurope

On October 28 in Kyiv, the Project “Just and Green Urban Recovery Accelerator (JGURA)” was officially launched. The initiative is supported by the governments of Germany and Switzerland and will run until 2030.    Six cities — Kryvyi Rih, Vinnytsia, Lviv, Zhytomyr, Rivne, and Khmelnytskyi — have already signed memorandums of cooperation with the project, becoming its first official partners. Nearly 100 participants — from local communities, the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine  and parliament, civil society and international partners — gathered to shape the vision of modern, green, and livable Ukrainian cities.    Tony Baumann, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Germany in Ukraine, and Silvan Hungerbühler, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine , emphasised: recovery of Ukrainian cities is not just about infrastructure, but also about strategic vision, transparent governance, community involvement, and climate-smart planning, with recovery efforts beginning at the local level based on the principle of subsidiarity.    «By working concretely at the neighbourhood level, we enable tangible, participatory transformations that feed into broader citywide planning. The solutions developed should be scalable and serve as inspiration for other cities across Ukraine», said Rahel Freist-Held, Director of the JGURA Project.    This is an opportunity to rebuild Ukrainian cities with consideration for people's needs, the environment, and European standards that promote a high quality of life, based on the principles of the New Leipzig Charta and the New European Bauhaus.    The Project “Just and Green Urban Recovery Accelerator (JGURA)” is implemented by GIZ Ukraine on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by SECO Economic Cooperation and Development. #BMZ #GermanCooperationUkraine #SECO #GIZ #JGURA #RebuildingUkraine

As millions of Ukrainians face war-related power outages, energy security remains a humanitarian, economic, and security priority. Therefore, we are pleased to launch the new project “Energy security for Ukraine: municipal, renewable, efficient” (ESU), starting in November 2025. Yesterday, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Alona Shkrum, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy Jean-Luc Bernasconi, and Managing Director at GIZ Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, signed the corresponding Statement of Intent in Kyiv. The signing ceremony was attended by German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan and Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Development of Communities and Territories Oleksii Kuleba.    ESU supports the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine in boosting energy security and advancing the energy transition. It strengthens local energy planning, builds administrative and financial capacity, and mobilises investment in sustainable infrastructure – creating opportunitites for German and Swiss companies. The project also promotes modern, practice-oriented training in the energy sector, with a special focus on women’s participation.    💭 Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, Managing Director at GIZ: “We are delighted to continue our successful cooperation with the Ukrainian Ministry for Development and the Swiss Cooperation to the benefit of Ukrainian municipalities to withstand the Russian aggression.”    💭 Minister Oleksiy Kuleba highlighted: "It is particularly important to strengthen the energy security of communities ahead of the heating season. In this context, I would like to highlight our joint initiative with GIZ, supported by the German and Swiss Government, which aims to develop local energy sustainability, introduce renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency. The project will help communities develop their own energy plans, create energy management systems, train local specialists and thus take another step towards European standards in the field of sustainable energy. This is an investment in the sustainability of communities, their independence and readiness for the challenges of winter in wartime.”    💭 Jean-Luc Bernasconi, Deputy Head of Mission/Head of Cooperation: “Switzerland fully shares the view that energy security is the top priority for Ukraine in the current circumstances. Switzerland is therefore proud to cofinance the ESU project because we believe that Ukraine’s sustainable energy transition is one of the cornerstones to improve the quality of life in Ukrainian communities. The project will support people and institutions to work better, to work together and thereby ensure that energy security needs are met, while meeting EU accession goals and fulfilling global climate targets.” SECO Economic Cooperation and Development   #BMZ #GermanCooperationUkraine #GIZ #EnergySecurity #SECO

In Kyiv, the EU and Norway officially joined the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) flagship programme STEP IN 2 EU, implemented by GIZ Ukraine since May 2025. This milestone underlines a strong commitment to Ukraine’s resilience, economic growth and European future.     The programme focuses on creating tangible opportunities for businesses and people by:   🔹strengthening institutions and aligning legislation with EU standards,   🔹adapting product regulations and improving the business environment,   🔹enabling Ukrainian companies to enter European value chains,   🔹promoting regional growth in promising sectors and expanding access to finance.    German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan together with GIZ Managing Director Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven attended the official ceremony. Together, BMZ, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, the EU Delegation to Ukraine, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and GIZ Ukraine jointly marked the kick-off of the joint enlarged programme. They confirmed the shared determination of partners to act swiftly and result-oriented. Even in times of war, Ukraine continues to move forward on its path to EU accession.    💭 Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, Managing Director at GIZ, highlighted: “Launching this milestone in Kyiv underlines our joint commitment to supporting Ukraine’s resilience, economic growth, and European future. We are delighted to have found such strong partners in the EU and Norway.”    💭Oleksii Sobolev, CFA, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Government of Ukraine, confirmed: “This programme supports our ambitious reform agenda. It is about making EU integration real for entrepreneurs, opening new markets, creating jobs and strengthening long-term resilience.”    💭Gediminas Navickas, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine / Chargé d’Affaires, added: “This programme shows the European Union’s ongoing support for Ukraine’s ambitious reforms and its journey towards EU membership. By helping Ukraine move closer to the EU Single Market, it opens up new economic opportunities, creates jobs, and boosts the competitiveness of the Ukrainian economy.”    💭Lars Ragnar Aalerud Hansen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Ukraine, noticed: „Our partnership with Germany, the EU and Ukraine reflects our shared commitment to support Ukraine’s economic growth and resilience. We believe that our collaborative efforts will increase impact and facilitates coordination.”      #BMZ #GermanCooperationUkraine #GIZ #STEPIN2EU #EUintegration #SustainableEconomy #StandWithUkraine #EU4Business

Together with German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan, Managing Director at GIZ, Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, visited Oleksiy and Iryna Honcharov, the entrepreneurs behind Zavertai, a fast-food restaurant in Bucha. Originally displaced from Luhansk, they rebuilt their lives in a city scarred by Russia’s aggression. Today, Zavertai provides jobs for eight internally displaced people and has become a symbol of new beginnings. With support from the ReACT4UA / EU4Business programme, co-financed by Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Norad - Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented by GIZ Ukraine, Zavertai installed solar panels covering up to 60% of their energy needs. This sustainable investment secures reliable energy, lowers costs, and allows the family to reinvest in business expansion and their community. In Oleksiy Honcharov’s words: “We stayed in Ukraine, we pay taxes, we create jobs – and now we are already looking for a new location to scale up.”   Stories like Zavertai’s highlight how targeted support for small businesses fosters economic recovery, strengthens local communities, and brings hope for Ukraine’s future. Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, Managing Director at GIZ noted: “Zavertai is more than a story of one family – it is a vivid illustration of how targeted support and partnership can turn personal tragedy into new beginnings. At GIZ, we work with local communities, businesses and institutions to create the conditions for such success stories. By supporting the local economy, we contribute to resilience, reintegration and sustainable economic development in Ukraine.“ The ReACT4UA / EU4Business programme supported over 30,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine from 2020 to 2025 in innovation, sustainable development, and export promotion. It contributed to enhancing competitiveness and facilitating Ukraine's integration into the EU internal market. #BMZ #GermanCooperationUkraine #GIZ #ReACT4UA #EU4Business #Norad #SMEs #Resilience #EnergyTransition #StandWithUkraine

During her visit to Ukraine, German Development Minister, Reem Alabali Radovan together with Managing Director at GIZ, Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, visited The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS). For more than a decade, GIZ Ukraine has been supporting DSNS’ vital mission of protecting lives by introducing most recent technologies and capabilities in the field of civil protection.   Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, Managing Director at GIZ, highlighted: “For over a decade, we have supported the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and cannot overemphasize the significance of their work. We hold deep respect for the courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment of those who risk their lives each day to protect others.” This is also due to close cooperation with various German and European companies who can provide tailor-made solutions for Ukraine's needs in times of war. Today, Minister Alabali Radovan handed over so-called RHOT – vehicles to detect persons under debris, either by deploying rescue dogs or by using advanced tracking technology.     Furthermore, new Vehicle Command Units were passed on to the Ukrainian counterpart in the presence of German manufacturer Alpha Robotics Germany GmbH & Co KG, represented by CEO Oliver Rasche. The cooperation demonstrates clearly how both Germany and Ukraine benefit when development and economic cooperation go hand in hand.    The project 'Strengthening of State and Municipal Emergency Management in Ukraine' is implemented by GIZ Ukraine on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is part of its Transitional Development Assistance Programme.    #BMZ #GermanCooperationUkraine #GIZ #DSNS #EmergencyService

While Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, German energy partners remain committed to providing support to balance Ukraine’s energy system. The aim is not only to cover the shortage of electricity but also to foster energy efficiency through alternative power sources.    We are grateful to our German partners for their contributions in the latest donation campaigns:    ⚡The company HanseGas GmbH has donated a modern heating boiler with a capacity of 400 kW — enough to heat a large public facility or even several residential blocks;  ⚡The company LEW Verteilnetz GmbH has donated 32 transformers with a capacity of 20 kV, covering power needs of around 32,000 people;  ⚡Oberstein-Idarer-Elektrizität AG has donated a combined heat and power unit, producing 50 kW of electricity and 80 kW of heat at the same time. Cogeneration is a key technology that links modern efficiency standards with a path towards a greener future;  ⚡Stadtwerke Düsseldorf, one of Germany’s top municipal energy companies, has provided a bucket truck for work at heights, two vans, and a specialised service vehicle, all adapted for emergency repair crews.  ⚡Bürgerenergie Kienberg eG, a citizens’ energy cooperative from the town of Kienberg, along with NGO Freiheit Demokratie e.V., has donated more than 4,000 solar panels.    Contributions like these strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience and security, especially before the upcoming winter season.    The equipment is delivered through the Just Transition & Green Energy Sector Recovery Ukraine project implemented by GIZ Ukraine on behalf of Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) under the umbrella of the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership.    #BMWE #GIZ #JustTransition #GreenRecovery #EnergyEfficiency