The annual ReBuild Ukraine 2025 fair in Warsaw highlighted a critical gap in the readiness of many Ukrainian cities and towns to access investment and drive their own recovery. Despite a strong international presence of investors, donors, and technology providers, fewer than 100 hromadas attended—less than 10% of Ukraine’s total—and even those present often lacked technically and economically mature projects. The event revealed that while opportunities for post-war reconstruction are unprecedented, only communities capable of acting professionally will benefit from them.
A systemic lack of expertise remains a major barrier. Many hromadas continue to rely on polished presentations or emotional appeals rather than full feasibility studies and rigorous business cases. Investors require detailed project documentation, including economic models, return-on-investment calculations, and technical specifications. The fair underscored the need for training and collaboration with NGOs and local businesses to build these competencies, ensuring projects are technically sound and economically viable.
International engagement is also uneven. Some hromadas have established permanent representatives in Europe or institutional partnerships with international organizations, gaining greater access to funds and knowledge. Others rely on volunteers, which often provides inconsistent results. Long-term professional engagement is essential for securing investment and building sustainable recovery strategies.
Structural economic issues, such as politically determined utility tariffs, further hinder investment. Without tariff reform or clear mechanisms for investor returns, infrastructure projects cannot attract private capital. Communities must shift from seeking handouts to presenting credible business cases that demonstrate financial viability and long-term benefits.
The mindset of local authorities is another obstacle. Municipalities must show “skin in the game” by co-financing projects, participating in risk-sharing, and demonstrating political will to implement reforms. Transparent governance, including accurate data collection and digital tools like municipal “digital twins,” is critical to gain investor trust and enable informed decision-making, though political courage is required to expose inefficiencies.
Delegation quality and project knowledge also determine success. Many representatives were unprepared, unable to articulate project details or commitments, which undermines trust. Additionally, competition for returning residents and skilled labor will favor communities that prepare strategically for economic opportunities, not just patch immediate needs.
Ukraine can also learn from neighboring countries’ experiences. Poland’s financial missteps, Romania’s inter-community cooperation models, and the Czech Republic’s urban redevelopment strategies offer lessons in avoiding pitfalls and implementing efficient, profitable, and sustainable projects. Horizontal cooperation among hromadas can amplify these lessons and increase the impact of recovery initiatives.
Ultimately, ReBuild Ukraine 2025 demonstrated that while funding and opportunities exist, success depends on the competence, preparation, and strategic vision of local communities. Hromadas must invest in technical capacity, professional project development, co-financing, and transparency to fully leverage reconstruction opportunities and secure a sustainable recovery.
