On June 25, Ukrainian high-level politicians, municipal officials, and representatives of civil society met with representatives from the EU and international financing institutions to discuss the ongoing reforms in the Ukrainian housing sector. The event was organised by the EU-funded project “Strategic Technical Assistance in Reforms Towards Energy Efficiency and Renewables (STARTER)”, supported by the European Union in cooperation with the Ministry for Restoration of Ukraine and the European Investment Bank. 

The Government of Ukraine is adopting new housing legislation in line with the best European practices, signalling comprehensive reforms in this sector. 

The development of a comprehensive strategy and framework for housing in Ukraine aims to ensure an inclusive and energy-efficient approach that meets the substantial needs of the Ukrainian people and aligns with the EU trajectory. At the same time, it is also important to meet both the short- and long-term needs of all Ukrainians for sustainable and affordable housing. 

Therefore, the challenges and opportunities related to ongoing reforms in the Ukrainian housing sector were discussed at the event, which provided a platform to share experiences on practical aspects of housing reform and lessons learned from the implementation of housing programmes. It also created an opportunity to discuss cooperation between national, local and civil society actors, as well as with international donors and IFIs.

Mr Jocelin Cornet, Head of Section for Energy, Infrastructure & Environment, the EU Delegation to Ukraine, noted: “The systematic Russian shelling of civilian infrastructure, including multi-apartment buildings, has dramatically enhanced the need for housing for the Ukrainians. The EU is addressing this topic in different ways. Both by providing support to reforms in the housing sector that are included in the Ukraine Plan of the Ukrainian Government and by providing guarantees and blended finance to investments financed by IFIs like EIB for the renovation of war-damaged buildings and construction of new affordable housing. It is crucial that the Ukrainian Government strengthens the role of Homeowners Associations in the planning and implementation of these future projects, ensuring that the voices of individual homeowners are heard and prioritized.”

Background

The most pressing issue for over one million IDPs is accessing secure and affordable housing. The total reconstruction and recovery needs for the housing sector are EUR 72.8 billion, according to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, updated in February 2024 by the World Bank, the Government of Ukraine, the European Union, and the United Nations.  

To increase affordable and dignified housing options, it is important to design and implement targeted strategies that lower housing expenses and strengthen household incomes. For this, the EU can support the growth of good housing options with long-term EIB investment. The investment will follow the development of a comprehensive strategy and framework for housing in Ukraine, aimed at ensuring an inclusive and energy-efficient approach that meets the significant needs and aligns with EU standards.

Media inquiries: Kateryna Nekrasova, knekrasova@ecomm.com.ua