Challenges faced by the Ukrainian private sector on the path to EU membership

On 16 July 2025, the EESC Employers' Group hosted a debate on the challenges faced by the Ukrainian private sector on the path to EU membership, with guests from the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the European Business Association, the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and the Federation of Employers of Ukraine.

The debate addressed key issues such as the role of employers in policy reforms needed for Ukraine's integration in the EU, and the challenges for Ukraine's reconstruction and creating a business environment that can drive growth and attract investments.

The EESC Employers' Group President, Stefano Mallia, underlined that beyond the immediate need to put an end to the war through a just and lasting peace, Ukraine’s long-term recovery and reconstruction will define the country’s future and its path to EU membership, and this is where the focus of employers' representatives must increasingly turn.

Stefano Mallia highlighted that economic research consistently demonstrates that EU enlargement delivers substantial economic gains both for the EU and the new Member States, but this road will not be without obstacles. In this sense, the active engagement of the Ukrainian employers' organisations in the EU integration process will be essential, both in providing input on the EU legislation and in advocating for reforms that enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Ukraine’s business environment.

Ukraine has faced unprecedented challenges, with critical infrastructure damaged, trade disrupted, and investments deterred. Oleksandr Kamenets, EU adviser at Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, explained that reviving economic growth faces serious hurdles, with Ukraine’s GDP remaining at 78% of pre-war levels.

In addition, trade flows continue to face significant challenges. Disruptions to Ukraine’s export infrastructure, workforce shortages, ongoing Russian attacks on ports and logistics hubs, and security risks along transport corridors pose serious obstacles. However, as underlined by Gennadiy Chyzhykov, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ukrainian companies showed remarkable adaptability and resilience with over 90% of the companies that survived and adapted, with 60% of exports heading to the EU.

Iaroslava Savastieieva, Deputy Director of European Business Association, highlighted that despite international interest, practical investment mechanisms remain complex, and that Ukraine must build cooperation opportunities for international investors through partnerships with existing domestic businesses. Kateryna Glazkova, Executive Director of Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, stressed that 70% of companies are still growing and investing, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Mykhailo Bno-Airiian, Chairman of the Committee on European Integration and Special Trade Envoy of FEU at the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, stressed that conditionalities in the accession process must reflect current realities, and that future cooperation should focus on shared strengths of Ukraine and the EU. In addition, the EESC could further facilitate discussions on Ukraine’s long-term role in the EU economy.

The EESC Employers' Group members underlined their strong to continue to foster dialogue between EU and Ukrainian employers to better understand the evolving business environment, share best practices, and contribute to policies that support Ukraine's integration and long-term growth.

The business community, both in Ukraine and across Europe, will play a decisive role in shaping the path forward. Recovery will depend on the determination of the people, the entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and workers who are prepared to take risks, rebuild partnerships, and believe in the future.