The Kyiv Investment Forum 2025, held in Berlin, emerged as a leading European platform advancing Ukraine’s recovery and strengthening city-to-city collaboration across Europe. The Forum showcased how Kyiv and Berlin are turning solidarity into action — through new agreements, innovation partnerships, and investment in reconstruction. From energy and health to digital transformation, these initiatives are reshaping daily life and building a more connected, resilient Europe.

The ninth edition of the Kyiv Investment Forum (KIF 2025), held in Berlin, reaffirmed its position as a leading international platform for advancing Ukraine’s recovery and Europe’s sustainable development. Under the theme “Investing in Resilience, Shaping the Future,” the Forum gathered over three hundred European leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore how partnerships and technology can transform crisis into a catalyst for shared growth.

Jointly organized by the Kyiv City State Administration, the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and Impact Force, and co-hosted by Mayor Vitalii Klitschko and Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, the Forum showcased how cooperation between Kyiv and Berlin is strengthening Europe’s unity and renewal.

Berlin - Kyiv Partnership Strengthened for Europe’s Common Future

The KIF 2025 marked a new chapter in the partnership between the capitals of Ukraine and Germany, translating years of solidarity into concrete cooperation. Two key documents signed during the Forum — the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Direct Berlin - Kyiv Rail Connection (signed by Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin and Vitalii Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv) and the Joint Declaration of Intent on Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship(signed by Vitalii Klitschko and Franziska Giffey, Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises) — will have a lasting impact on connectivity, economic growth, and technological collaboration across Europe.

The Berlin–Kyiv rail link is more than a transport project — it symbolizes Europe’s unity in action, creating a new corridor for trade, tourism, and mobility while connecting Ukraine to the EU’s economic system. At the same time, the Joint Declaration on Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship establishes long-term cooperation in innovation, startup development, and digital transformation — strengthening entrepreneurship, cross-ecosystem exchange, and cybersecurity between the two capitals. Together, these outcomes redefine the Kyiv–Berlin partnership as a practical engine of European renewal — transforming shared resilience into joint innovation and growth.

In his remarks, Governing Mayor Wegner underlined Berlin’s steadfast solidarity with Kyiv: “Berlin is proud to be hosting the Kyiv Investment Forum. The Forum stands for the future, for a sense of confidence, and for the close friendship between Berlin and Kyiv as partner cities. Working with Kyiv unlocks significant business opportunities – in rebuilding, economic development, and making both cities more resilient. Europe’s stability, security, and prosperity depend on a free, strong Ukraine – and Berlin will continue to stand firmly at Ukraine’s side.”

Mayor Klitschko emphasized that these steps reflect a broader vision of resilience through cooperation: “Each new agreement between Kyiv and Berlin brings us closer to the future we are building together — a future where Ukraine is not only recovering but contributing to Europe’s strength through innovation, resilience, and shared values.”

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, emphasized "With the Kyiv Investment Forum and the "Joint Declaration of Intent", we are intensifying economic cooperation between our partner cities Berlin and Kyiv and connect our innovation ecosystems. Through knowledge exchange and the promotion of innovation, we want to create new perspectives for companies, strengthen the economic competitiveness of both cities and, of course, prepare for and support the reconstruction of Ukraine. The agreement focuses on the exchange of know-how and best practices, support for start-ups, access to European funding programmes and the expansion of joint economic networks. Berlin continues to stand firmly by Ukraine's side.”

Cities as Engines of Resilience

The KIF 2025 underscored a powerful shift in how resilience is built — not only by states, but by cities that have become strategic actors in times of crisis. In an era of war, energy shocks, and global uncertainty, Europe’s cities are protecting citizens, sustaining economies, and driving innovation under immense pressure.

At the heart of this transformation stands Kyiv, whose governance and digital capacity have become a global example of urban endurance and adaptability. The city continues to function, modernize, and attract investment even amid ongoing attacks, demonstrating that true resilience is rooted in trust, leadership, and the ability to evolve.

The mayors of Berlin, Brussels, Poznań, Vilnius and Deputy Mayor of Wrocław joined Kyiv in reaffirming that the future of Europe’s recovery will be determined not only by national strategies, but by local leadership and cooperation across borders. Their discussion highlighted that when cities share experience and align their efforts, they become engines of growth, innovation, and stability for the entire continent. The KIF 2025 confirmed that cities are not just participants in Europe’s recovery — they are its driving force. Resilience today is not a single policy, but a shared mindset built through trust, collaboration, and long-term vision.

Philippe Close, Mayor of the City of Brussels, highlighted this shared responsibility: “Local governments play a central role in responding to crises. Without the leadership of cities, effective crisis management is simply not possible. During my visits to Ukraine, I saw that resilience is not only about endurance — it is also a genuine opportunity and a strategic asset. Investing in Ukraine today goes beyond solidarity with a country that shares our values. It is an investment in Europe’s long-term stability and economic strength.”

Investing Amidst Uncertainty: Turning Risk into Opportunity

One of the strongest messages of the KIF 2025 was that Ukraine’s recovery cannot wait until the war is over. Every day that people rebuild their businesses, reopen factories, and restart production sends a powerful signal — that the country is already moving forward. The discussion showed that despite the risks, investing in Ukraine today is possible and, in fact, essential for the country’s stability and for Europe’s long-term security.

Thanks to new support tools from the European Union, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other international partners, investors now have practical ways to protect their projects — through guarantees, insurance, and special financial programs that share the risk. Kyiv is already using these instruments to rebuild energy, housing, and production facilities, proving that with trust and good management, development can continue even under the hardest conditions.

A strong example comes from Farmak, one of Ukraine’s largest pharmaceutical companies, which kept investing during the war — opening a new production hub and starting work on a modern innovation site that will meet EU standards. As Yevgeniya Piddubna, Corporate Affairs Director and Member of the Board at Farmak, explained: “Investing during the war is not a headline — but a responsibility and the only way to keep running. Because medicines are among the basic needs of people and they cannot wait until the “better times”. By working to EU standards and partnering with trusted institutions, we show that investing in Ukraine is not only realistic — it’s vital for Europe’s resilience.”

Farmak’s example shows a broader truth: when clear rules, professional management, and international partnerships are in place, private investment in Ukraine is not only safe — it helps secure the region’s future. Kyiv is becoming a model for how cities can turn crisis into opportunity, attracting investors who see not just risk, but the potential to build a stronger and more connected Europe.

From Energy to Smart Industry: Building a Resilient Economy

Building on this momentum, the Industry Lead Dialogues brought the KIF’s themes to life — showing how innovation is already improving how people live, work, and recover. Across energy, mobility, health, and industry, participants demonstrated that Ukraine’s transformation is not abstract — it is practical, visible, and deeply human.

In energy, Ukrainian and European experts presented how cities are maintaining power and heat through smarter, more decentralized systems that can withstand attacks. Municipalities are introducing solar generation, energy management tools, and microgrids — projects supported by Germany’s development agency GIZ. As Miriam Faulwetter, GIZ Program Director for Just Transition, noted: “Our work is guided by the vision that green energy security and climate protection improves the lives of Ukrainians on their way to the EU. I believe that the EU accession process provides us with a clear guideline on what reforms and changes are needed to achieve our vision”.

In mobility and urban technology, Kyiv is using recovery to create a city built around people. Together with European partners, it is redesigning spaces and services to be more inclusive, accessible, and connected — ensuring that reconstruction leads to a modern, human-centered capital where everyone can thrive.

In health and biotechnology, new approaches are combining medical innovation with human care. The city’s prosthetics center, built with international partners, is restoring mobility to thousands, while national platforms such as Impact Health help citizens rebuild mental and emotional strength. Together with universities and startups, these initiatives are forming a growing health-tech ecosystem with global potential. As Olga Diakova, Co-founder of Impact Force, noted: “Recovery is not only about rebuilding hospitals — it’s about rebuilding people. Through Impact Health, we are turning mental resilience into national infrastructure, giving Ukrainians the tools to restore balance, strength, and confidence in their own lives.”

In smart industry and dual-use technologies, Ukraine’s ingenuity under pressure is becoming a foundation for long-term growth. Technologies born on the battlefield — drones, automation, AI analytics — are being adapted for civilian use, opening new export opportunities and connecting Ukrainian manufacturing to Europe’s industrial networks. The dialogue made clear that when governance, standards, and partnerships align, innovation turns from survival to competitive advantage.

The outcomes of these discussions go far beyond technical progress. They show that Ukraine’s recovery is already changing everyday life — keeping lights on in hospitals, bringing safer mobility to cities, improving healthcare, and creating jobs in new industries. This is how cooperation between Kyiv, Berlin, and Europe is shaping not only recovery, but a more connected, modern, and sustainable future for all.

Digital Transformation for Growth and Recovery

The KIF 2025 highlighted Kyiv as one of Europe’s leading digital capitals — where technology has become vital to survival, governance, and growth. The Kyiv Digital platform kept public services and communication running even under attack, setting a global benchmark for transparent and citizen-centered governance.

As Ukraine shifts from crisis response to renewal, its digital achievements offer valuable lessons for Europe. In dialogue with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization and Berlin’s tech ecosystem — and through active partnership with Google — Kyiv is strengthening cybersecurity, advancing open data, and expanding digital skills, turning Ukraine’s digital progress into a shared European asset.

Annette Kroeber-Riel, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google Europe, highlighted the company’s role in supporting this transformation: “Google remains a strong partner to Ukraine's and Kyiv's digital resilience. Through our advanced cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities, we help guarantee that essential services maintain transparency, inclusivity, and continuous availability, even in times of crisis. These collaborative efforts are vital to Ukraine’s recovery and are simultaneously setting the benchmark for citizen-centered digital transformation across Europe.”

By integrating its digital advances with Europe’s innovation agenda, Kyiv is helping shape a shared digital future — one that connects resilience with openness, and recovery with long-term competitiveness across the continent.

From Recovery to Renewal: Building Europe’s Shared Future

The Kyiv Investment Forum 2025 in Berlin concluded with a clear message — Ukraine’s recovery is already underway, and its progress is strengthening Europe as a whole. What began as a story of survival has evolved into a roadmap for renewal, driven by partnership, innovation, and the determination of its people.

Alongside the main sessions, the Social Entrepreneurship for Inclusive Recovery discussion spotlighted the human side of rebuilding — restoring opportunity and dignity. It introduced the Kyiv Social Impact Cluster, a new city initiative uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and partners to make inclusion a driver of growth. Evolving from dialogue to action, the Cluster embodies Kyiv’s vision of recovery that rebuilds not only structures, but lives — turning shared ideas into lasting change.

In his closing remarks, Mayor Vitalii Klitschko emphasized that Ukraine’s experience carries meaning far beyond its borders: “Kyiv stands today not only as a city defending its freedom but as a city shaping Europe’s future. Every new partnership, every innovation, every project we launch proves that rebuilding Ukraine means building a stronger Europe — one that stands for democracy, trust, and shared progress.”

Throughout the Forum, this vision came to life — in new agreements between Kyiv and Berlin, in the commitment of investors, and in the innovative projects that are transforming energy, healthcare, and governance. The conversations in Berlin showed that Ukraine is not waiting for peace to start rebuilding; it is already contributing to Europe’s strength, sustainability, and competitiveness.

The Kyiv Investment Forum 2025 closed not as the end of an event, but as the beginning of a new phase of cooperation — one where Ukraine’s recovery becomes Europe’s shared opportunity to build a future that is more secure, inclusive, and forward-looking than ever before.