Italy steps up support for Odesa region and allocates EUR 30 million for children’s hospital
Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba and Ambassador of Italy to Ukraine Carlo Formosa have signed an agreement providing EUR 30 million from the Government of Italy. The funds will be used to construct a new wing of the Odesa Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital. Once completed, the facility will be able to provide inpatient care to more than 260 children at a time – a critical boost to the region’s healthcare system.
“This Agreement is one element of our cooperation with Italy. In 2023 Italy took patronage over the reconstruction of Odesa – a city that comes under russian missile and drone attacks almost every day. Cultural heritage sites are particularly vulnerable and are also deliberately targeted by the enemy. We are jointly developing projects in cyber protection, digital solutions, railway and aviation initiatives. We greatly value this support and partnership,” stressed Oleksii Kuleba.
During the URC 2025 conference in Rome, grant agreements worth EUR 35.5 million were signed for the restoration of six architectural landmarks in the city. Italy is also assisting with the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in partnership with UNESCO, having allocated EUR 500,000 for that purpose.
In addition, Italy is investing EUR 6 million in modernising irrigation systems in Odesa region and supporting our energy projects. This is assistance that makes a tangible difference in specific communities.
Oleksii Kuleba also thanked the people and Government of Italy for their help in strengthening Ukraine’s defence capability and rebuilding the country, as well as for the decision to continue providing military-technical support. European partners are investing not only in Ukraine’s security, but in their own as well.
Ukraine today is the security shield of the EU. And regions such as Odesa region are of decisive importance for peace in Europe.