17.06.2026 | Insight
How can partnerships help rebuild Ukraine while the war is still ongoing? This was at the heart of our event at Folkemødet about supporting a green recovery in Ukraine.
Our event Gold, Reconstruction & Green Transition in Ukraine brought together key organisations from Denmark’s side; Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Danish Industry and the Danish Board of District Heating (DBDH), to discuss reconstruction, green transition and the role of business. The discussion was led by moderator Lars Trier Mogensen, journalist and radio host.
The message was clear: strong partnerships and continued investment in green infrastructure are essential to support and stabilise Ukraine – now and in the future.
Green investments are key for Ukraine’s future
Denmark has supported Ukraine since 2014, initially focusing on climate-related investments. When the full-scale invasion began in 2022, support shifted towards the energy sector. Today, Ukraine represents Denmark’s largest development programme.
“Strong partnerships from the Danish side, such as with Nefco, enable us to make a real difference in Ukraine,” said Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone, Director for Development Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. “We are supporting Ukraine while ensuring that climate considerations remain central.”
She emphasised that investments must not lock Ukraine into fossil fuels. Instead, green technologies offer a more reliable and often more cost-effective solution in the long term. They are also essential for Ukraine’s path towards EU membership. At the same time, maintaining stability in Ukraine is critical for wider European security.
Urgent need to modernise the utility sector
Much of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure dates back to the Soviet era and has not been sufficiently modernised. “It is not uncommon that up to 50% of water is lost before it reaches consumers,” said Bo Nyhus, Investment Director at Nefco.
We work closely with Ukrainian communities to finance and implement projects that address these challenges. Beyond funding, we provide technical expertise and support to help communities upgrade essential services such as water supply, wastewater treatment, electricity and heating.
Through these efforts, supported by Denmark, the Nordic countries and the EU, we help strengthen the resilience of civilian infrastructure and ensure that basic services continue in extremely challenging circumstances.
Lars Hummelmose, Director at Danish Board of District Heating (DBDH), highlighted that investments must focus on the most urgent needs. He also stressed the importance of decentralising heat production and capturing waste heat, which can play a key role in making the heating sector more efficient and sustainable.
Danish companies play a key role
There is strong demand in Ukraine for the expertise and solutions that Danish companies provide. “Danish companies are already deeply involved in infrastructure projects and are taking on significant responsibility,” said Marie Gad, Senior Vice president at the Danish Industry.
She noted that companies are also sharing the risks associated with working in a conflict-affected environment, alongside Denmark as a public donor.
Denmark is also contributing valuable expertise in anti-corruption work in Ukraine, including through Nefco and dedicated programmes led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ensuring transparency and accountability remains essential for rebuilding efforts.
Continued support for green recovery
Denmark is currently the largest Nordic donor to Nefco’s Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine. With over EUR 108 million committed so far, new projects related to water supply and wastewater treatment are under preparation.
Together, Denmark through Nefco is helping Ukraine rebuild greener, stronger and more resilient infrastructure, laying the foundation for long-term recovery.
Cover photo: Nefco event at Folkemødet – Christian Lykking for Nefco
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