By Sandra Parthie, president of the Employers’ Group

This month marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began: four years of devastation, but also of courage, resistance and unbroken resolve. What began as an attempt to erase a sovereign nation has become a defining test of Europe’s unity and our shared commitment to peace, freedom and democracy.

From day one, Europe has stood by Ukraine. Financial and military support have kept institutions functioning, services running and the economy alive under relentless attack. Opening the EU single market to Ukrainian goods and services has been one of our strongest acts of solidarity, keeping trade flowing, supporting jobs and helping Ukrainian companies plug into EU value chains. Recovery begins with partnership, and Ukraine’s future lies with the European family.

This partnership is built not only by institutions, but also by people. In the aftermath of the invasion, the Employers’ Group quickly engaged with Ukrainian business partners, showing that reconstruction happens employer to employer, business to business, society to society. These relationships of trust will drive Ukraine’s integration and recovery.

Four years on, solidarity is essential, but not enough. Europe must work more actively for a credible, lasting peace because political predictability and security are the foundations on which reconstruction and private investment can truly thrive. Fully implementing the Ukraine Facility, especially its investment pillar, will be crucial to mobilising finance and opening new opportunities for public and private partners. At the same time, integrating Ukraine’s energy market with the EU through investment in grid connections and cross‑border capacity will support industrial recovery and boost Europe’s energy security.

As we continue this work, we must reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s path to EU membership. The European Economic and Social Committee was the first EU institution to endorse this goal, and we stand by it today with the same conviction. Ukraine belongs in the European Union, politically, economically and in spirit. The courage of the Ukrainian people reminds us that when freedom is defended together, it not only endures, it grows stronger.