Ukraine and Italy expand practical cooperation in terms of recovery: a series of agreements signed on the sidelines of URC2025

In Rome, on the sidelines of the URC2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference, the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy signed a package of decisions that opens a new stage in the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the Italian Republic.

The agreements relate to financing key areas of recovery: agricultural infrastructure, cultural heritage sites, healthcare facilities, housing programs, as well as ensuring Ukraine's access to Italian financial mechanisms. The focus is on systemic solutions that meet the needs of communities.

"During the URC2025 in Rome, we made important agreements that strengthen our work on the ground. Italy is one of those partners whose support has a clear practical form. We are talking about financing irrigation in agricultural regions, restoration of cultural institutions in Odesa, development of medical infrastructure, and compensation to people for lost housing.

We have access to new financial mechanisms that can help communities implement large infrastructure projects. This cooperation is a response to specific needs. This is a recovery based on trust, transparency and shared responsibility," said Oleksii Kuleba.

Odesa region has become one of the priority areas. Two grant agreements were signed with the support of the Italian Government:

• EUR 6 million for the reconstruction of two irrigation systems in Odesa region. This decision will increase the efficiency of agricultural production in the south of Ukraine, stabilize water supply and reduce resource losses in barren areas.
• EUR 33.5 million for the restoration of six cultural heritage sites in Odesa, including the Odesa Regional Philharmonic, the Art Museum, the Museum of Western and Eastern Art, and the Literary Museum. These are iconic institutions that play an important role in preserving the cultural identity of the region.

The parties also discussed preparations to finance the construction of a new building of the Odesa Regional Children's Clinical Hospital as part of a comprehensive project to create a modern medical hub in the South. The project includes the development of hospital infrastructure, the purchase of equipment, strengthening energy resilience, and the construction of shelters.

Agreements have also been reached to support the government's eVidnovlennia program. The joint statement of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development provides for the allocation of EUR 100 million in compensation for housing destroyed as a result of the war.

Another key document is the Memorandum of Understanding on Ukraine's access to Italian financial mechanisms. It includes:

• insurance coverage of up to 100% for banks for export loans of up to EUR 1.5 billion;
• mixed mechanisms for financing projects for communities (a combination of soft loans and grants);
• support for the procurement of Italian goods and services for reconstruction needs - with the involvement of infrastructure solutions and technologies.

The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine continues to work to ensure that agreements with partners are implemented as soon as possible in practical projects on the ground, with a focus on communities that need support today.