The Ukraine Facility is the European Union’s main investment instrument for Ukraine up to 2027, worth EUR 50 billion. A key aim is to foster partnerships between Ukrainian and European businesses. It is therefore of critical strategic importance that companies in Ukraine and AER’s membership can make the best of the opportunities available under the Ukraine Investment Framework; to learn precisely how they can avail of these instruments to drive Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery. 

At the same time, Ukrainian and international enterprises, regions and other stakeholders need opportunities to come together; to foster partnerships, unlock investments and build new trade relationships that will drive Ukraine’s economic recovery. Equally, in the spirit of the Marshall Plan, we must leverage the power of the transatlantic relationship; working with US partners to deliver on an ambitious, smart agenda for reconstruction and recovery. 

Hosted by AER President, Albert Castellanos Maduell and ACCIÓ Trade and Investment as part of the 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress, the purpose of this high-level meeting of the Ukraine Focus Group is to:

• Bring together Ukrainian, European and international representatives to set out major initiatives of support from Europe and the United States;
• provide an opportunity for companies interested in investing in Ukraine and from Ukraine to meet implementing institutional partners, notably the European Investment Bank (EIB). 
• bring enterprises together in a tailored matchmaking session to network to build partnerships, and;
• highlight the transatlantic opportunities and networks open to Ukrainian stakeholders, and the importance of transatlantic cooperation in driving a smart, sustainable reconstruction.

Speakers

• Cristina Serradell Quincannon (moderator), Director, International Trade Unit at ACCIÓ Trade & Investment

• Serhii Pohoreltsev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Spain

• Albert Castellanos Maduell, President, Assembly of European Regions (AER) 

• Manuel Szapiro, Director, European Commission Representation in Barcelona

• Fernando Torija, Head of European Investment Bank Group Office in Spain

• Paul Costello, Senior Programme Manager, GMF Cities, German Marshall Fund of the United States