A secondary school in Hatne, near Kyiv, Ukraine, has reopened for the new academic year after undergoing extensive renovations supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The upgraded school now provides improved facilities for over 1,300 students, including nearly 300 children from displaced families, as well as almost 100 teachers. Renovations included reinforcing the building structure, enhancing insulation, upgrading the roof, classrooms, corridors, and canteen, and improving accessibility.
The €1 million project was financed by the EIB under the Ukraine Recovery Programme and completed in less than six months, starting at the end of March 2025. This initiative demonstrates the swift and determined efforts toward Ukraine’s recovery, particularly in rebuilding essential social infrastructure that supports strong communities. The Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, Oleksii Kuleba, emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone for Ukraine’s future, even amid ongoing conflict.
Local leadership prioritized ensuring children could begin the school year in a safe, modern, and comfortable environment. The Hatne community’s head, Oleksandr Palamarchuk, highlighted the commitment to completing the renovation quickly and to high standards. The Ukraine Recovery Programme operates alongside other EU–EIB initiatives implemented with national ministries and local authorities, supported technically by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Across the Kyiv region, 67 facilities are being restored or reconstructed through these programmes, with a budget of approximately €152.6 million. These projects cover a wide range of community needs, including educational institutions, hospitals, healthcare facilities, water supply and sewage systems, heating infrastructure, and public service buildings. Representatives from the EU and UNDP stressed that renovating schools is not just about infrastructure but also about investing in the future of communities and rebuilding hope and resilience.
Since 2007, the EIB has been active in Ukraine, intensifying its support after the 2022 Russian invasion. It has provided €3.6 billion in financing to aid Ukraine’s resilience and modernization efforts. As part of its recovery initiatives, the EIB has allocated €740 million toward restoring essential services across the country, facilitated by €15 million in EU grants to help implement projects efficiently. These programmes are coordinated by Ukrainian ministries with support from local governments and technical assistance from UNDP, ensuring transparency, accountability, and community-focused recovery efforts.
