GIZ Ukraine

Amid the rubble and wailing sirens, Ukraine’s rescuers continue their heroic work—saving lives every single day. For over 10 years, GIZ Ukraine has been working with the The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) under the project "Strengthening of State and Municipal Emergency Management in Ukraine" to enhance emergency response capabilities. This support means modernizing SESU infrastructure, enhancing rescuers’ skills, and upgrading equipment for rapid and effective emergency response. Technology, including robotic all-terrain vehicles, drones (UAVs), and mobile command posts, is making rescues safer and more efficient—even in the toughest conditions. The full-scale invasion continues, and the need for strong emergency response has never been greater. This isn’t just support—it’s a lifeline for those on the front lines of disaster response and a step toward rebuilding Ukraine. This project is implemented by GIZ Ukraine on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) as part of its Transitional Development Assistance Programme. #GIZ

For three years, Ukraine's energy system has been under constant attack. Targeted strikes on critical infrastructure have led to widespread power outages, affecting millions. But recovery never stops. With support from the German government and Stromnetz Berlin GmbH, 31 transformers have been donated and delivered to Ukraine. These transformers will help stabilize the grid, enhance resilience, and restore power to homes, hospitals, and businesses—bringing reliable electricity to 50.000 people. International cooperation is key to rebuilding Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Together, we can strengthen energy security even in the most challenging times. Support Ukraine’s energy resilience—every contribution matters. Join the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership and help power the future. Learn more at the link below https://lnkd.in/evrVYjAC This initiative is part of the Just Transition & Green Energy Sector Recovery Ukraine project under the German-Ukrainian Energy Partnership, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and implemented by GIZ Ukraine. #GIZ

❄️ The Velyka Mykhailivka municipality knows what cold, darkness and shelling are like. For three winters now, they have been struggling for heat, light and safety. However, they know how to stick together and overcome any challenges! 🔋 U-LEAD with Europe provided the hromada with generators that have become a lifeline for social institutions, administrative buildings and the Indestructibility Point. In the latter, people can charge gadgets, keep warm and stay in touch even when shelling leaves villages without electricity. 🔥 A powerful 540 kW generator keeps Velyka Mykhailivka Lyceum running. Although children are studying online, the school is ready to accept students offline as soon as the situation becomes safer. 🤝 “Thanks to the support, we will be able to get through this winter, even if it is difficult. We believe in the victory and restoration of our municipality!” the residents share. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/d4Ec5i2J Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Antje Kästner

Global challenges do not solve themselves. Only with more international cooperation can we master the crises of the future. As a federal company, we stand by our values. We have a responsibility to work together daily with our partners for democracy and human rights. The statement of our management board Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel, Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven and Anna Sophie Herken:

On February 7, Kyiv hosted the “Ukraine EU Accession Dialogue Day,” bringing together over 200 participants to discuss Ukraine’s alignment with the European Union in Rule of Law, Democracy, and Public Administration. Deputy Prime Minister Stefanishyna Olga and Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Chairperson Ruslan Stefanchuk highlighted Ukraine’s achievements since gaining candidate status for European Union membership. Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos reaffirmed the EU’s support, emphasizing the need for strategic reforms and democratic transformation involving civil society. Germany’s Deputy Ambassador to Ukraine, Maximilian Rasch, praised Ukraine’s progress and stressed the importance of broad public involvement: “The progress must be matched by meaningful and in-depth participation of all of Ukraine.” As Ukraine’s EU accession process progresses, the focus remains on implementing key reforms. Priorities include strengthening courts for equal legal protection, safeguarding parliament, and empowering local self-governance. The event was organized by the project “Strengthening Ukraine’s EU Alignment in the Rule of Law” (3E4U) in cooperation with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and the EU Project Pravo-Justice. #3E4U is implemented by GIZ Ukraine on behalf of the Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany. #GIZ

What does Ukraine's export strategy envision? How can it be integrated into regional development programs? Which institutions should take the lead in advancing the country’s foreign trade objectives at both national and regional levels? These key questions were discussed at the "Export Strategy and Regional Economic Development: Institutional Capacity for Implementation" conference at the beginning of February. 💡 "Over the past years, we have been actively working on multiple levels to support Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises in seizing the opportunities provided by the European Union Association Agreement. Our efforts have extended beyond the development of a national export strategy and the European integration process — we have also directly supported businesses through intermediary organizations, grant programs, and loan subsidies. With the launch of our new program ‘STEP IN 2 EU,’ we will continue this support, focusing not only on formal requirements but also on real reforms that will create a favorable business environment in Ukraine," — said Hagen Ettner, Director of ReACT4UA, during his opening remarks. The event was held within the framework of the "Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine" project, financially supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the international cooperation project ReACT4UA ("Utilization and implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU in the field of trade"), financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ Ukraine. The conference brought together representatives from government institutions, international organizations, businesses, and academia. The key takeaway: only through an inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders can a systematic approach to developing Ukrainian exports be achieved, strengthening the country’s economy as a whole. #GIZ

♥️ More life-safing heart surgery for children in Ukraine - a German-Ukrainian hospital partnership makes it possible. Thanks to the cooperation with the Deutsches Herzzentrum München: and the H.O.P.E. - we help children e.V. association, Dr Oleksandr Yachnik and his team in Lviv have mastered the latest surgical techniques. This means that the little patients are back home twice as quickly! Find out more about our work and how the partnership can save lives. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eZbWCg4g #Klinikpartnerschaften #buildbackbetter Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) GIZ Ukraine

The second phase of the Power Up: Experience Sharing project is now launching! This initiative is led by our partners at the East Europe Foundation (EEF) as part of the "Promotion of Energy Efficiency and Implementation of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive in Ukraine (FEER)" project, implemented by GIZ Ukraine with support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the SECO Economic Cooperation and Development . During the first phase, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine initiated a pilot project on thermal modernisation and awarded grants to 10 Ukrainian enterprises. In 2025, the programme will focus on sharing best practices and implementing energy management in the public sector.

For over 23 years, Larysa P. ran a successful custom tailoring business in the mining town of Dobropillia, Donetsk region. Her shop was more than just a place to order clothes—it was a space where locals connected, shared stories, and supported one another. But in 2022, Russia’s full-scale invasion turned her life upside down. Forced to leave her hometown, Larysa relocated to Lviv, uncertain about what the future would hold. Determined to rebuild, she restarted her business step by step, seeking new opportunities. And when two of her sewists returned to Dobropillia, she made a bold decision—she reopened her store back home, despite the risks. The shop once again became a source of stability and comfort for the local community. However, the war continued to cast a shadow over her work. As the frontline moved closer, the situation in Dobropillia became increasingly dangerous. Then, a Russian attack destroyed a storage garage and damaged her shop. Yet, even in the face of destruction, Larysa refused to give up. She continued fulfilling orders, keeping her business running against all odds. The “Just Transition through Entrepreneurship” project became a crucial turning point for her. Through mentoring, exposure to international business models, and insights from successful transformations of mining towns abroad, she gained the knowledge and confidence to expand her business beyond Ukraine’s borders. Now, she is focused on exporting her products and ensuring her work reaches new markets. 💬 “I want my town to thrive,” Larysa shares. Her dream is to return and contribute to the reconstruction of Dobropillia, bringing hope and opportunity to her community. The “Just Transition through Entrepreneurship” project is implemented by enpact, funded by Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and supported by GIZ Ukraine as part of the “Just Transition & Green Energy Sector Recovery Ukraine” project. #GIZ

🎓 Education is the foundation for the future, even in times of war! Thanks to the support of U-LEAD with Europe, the educational process in the Velyka Mykhailivka municipality in the Dnipro oblast continues even in such difficult conditions. The local lyceum continues to operate, and generators provide stability during blackouts. 💪🇺🇦 An important support will be the construction of a shelter in the lyceum, which will ensure the safety of students and teachers during alarms. 📌More in our video. Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Antje Kästner