On 15 December, Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, took part in the 8th German–Ukrainian Economic Forum held in Berlin, Germany. The Forum featured a series of business events, including meetings with German businesses, investors, and representatives of the German Federal Government.

In particular, Oleksii Sobolev spoke at a thematic business breakfast organised by Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI). During the event, representatives of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany discussed investment and industrial development issues. The discussion also covered the role of the German private sector in Ukraine’s recovery, new opportunities for German companies, and priority investment projects in Ukraine.

This substantive dialogue continued during a bilateral meeting with GTAI leadership, focusing on strengthening Germany’s investment engagement in Ukraine, including within the framework of cooperation with UkraineInvest. Priority sectors include manufacturing, energy, construction materials, critical raw materials, and strategic dual-use industries. The parties also discussed the development of insurance products for German businesses operating in Ukraine.

Within the framework of the Forum, a meeting was also held with the leadership of BDI (Federation of German Industries). During the meeting, the Ukrainian side emphasised that a structured investment portfolio currently comprises 124 projects with a total value of USD 16.4 billion. Close cooperation between UkraineInvest and BDI will enable Ukrainian projects to be systematically channelled to relevant sectoral associations within BDI and to its member companies. A separate focus was placed on opportunities for defence companies to implement concrete joint projects and to develop technologies aimed at strengthening security capabilities for Ukraine and Europe.

During a meeting with Christian Bruch, CEO of Siemens Energy, the discussion focused on deepening cooperation in the supply of equipment, technical solutions, and the implementation of projects addressing priority energy needs. The Ukrainian side invited German partners to participate in the restoration of cogeneration (CHP plants) to stabilise electricity supply in the most affected regions. The German side also announced the establishment of an Energy Training Academy to train qualified personnel for Ukraine’s energy sector.

In discussions with the management of the KfW (German state development bank), priority topics included insurance for projects of German companies in Ukraine, cooperation in the field of critical minerals, financing of dual-use manufacturing projects, and support for the National Development Institution as part of the reform of Ukraine’s Entrepreneurship Development Fund.

In addition, Oleksii Sobolev spoke at a business panel, noting that alignment with EU legislation and participation in European value chains form the foundation of Ukraine’s new economic model. The key focus is on capital mobilisation. Capital investment is expected to grow by approximately 12% in 2026, with the share of investment in GDP increasing to around 22%. Investments will be directed toward critical infrastructure, demining, modernisation of industrial production and dual-use manufacturing, as well as the expansion of high- and medium-tech production.

The Minister also highlighted key reforms that will shape investment cooperation with Germany in 2026, outlined priority sectors for German businesses, and noted that Ukrainian companies serve as a role model in terms of resilience and adaptability to challenges for German and European companies.

“The 8th German–Ukrainian Economic Forum has created new opportunities to strengthen cooperation with German partners. We seek to ensure that joint projects in industry, energy, and the defence sector are launched in Ukraine already now. On the sidelines of the Forum, we also signed important agreements on labour market support, investment attraction, and development with a focus on localisation,” Minister Oleksii Sobolev stated.

As part of the Forum, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine signed a Declaration of Intent to support labour market reforms through the newly established JobConnect programme with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ). In 2026, Germany will support JobConnect with a contribution of EUR 10 million.
In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the German company MAN Truck & Bus SE. The document defines the framework for cooperation in industrial development, localisation of production, integration of Ukrainian enterprises into global supply chains, and support for investment projects in Ukraine.