8 out of 10 foreign investors are interested in Ukraine’s recovery opportunities – GB4U and EBA survey

A total of 79% of surveyed foreign investors express interest in Ukraine’s recovery opportunities. Meanwhile, 13% remain undecided, and only 8% are not interested.

These are the findings of the Foreign Investor Sentiment survey, conducted among the members of the Global Business for Ukraine and the European Business Association, specifically targeting foreign businesses, which previously expressed their interest in Ukraine. 

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Key factors that would influence investor decisions to engage in Ukraine’s recovery include: first-mover advantage, return on investment (ROI), investment guarantees, social impact, a stable legal framework, geopolitical stability and security assurances, risk-sharing mechanisms, governance maturity, among others.

Of the businesses surveyed, 49% are already investing in Ukraine, while an additional 40% are considering it – 23% plan to invest after the war ends, and 17% are ready to invest even before the end of hostilities.

The most attractive sectors for investment, according to respondents, are:

• Services – 30%

• Infrastructure, transportation, and logistics – 25%

• Construction and restoration – 19%

• Energy and renewables – 17%

• Agriculture, production, and processing – 17%

When asked about the motivations behind their interest in Ukraine, investors cited post-war recovery and rebuilding opportunities, long-term growth potential, rich resources, profitability, a high level of technological adoption, resilience, the possibility to combine commercial returns with social impact, large internal market and export capacity, geographic proximity to key markets, low labour costs, and technical compliance.

The top five factors foreign investors consider when making investment decisions are:

1. Access to a skilled workforce

2. Ease of investment return

3. Logistics and supply chain

4. Intellectual property protection

5. Digital services

At the same time, the main barriers to investment include:

• Security situation – 68%

• Corruption or lack of transparency – 47%

• Political uncertainty and weak institutional capacity – 47%

• Weak rule of law – 34%

• Currency restrictions – 25%

To reduce risks and facilitate investment, businesses highlight the importance of rule of law, risk insurance, trusted and efficient institutions, including state bodies, clear and stable regulations, strong anti-corruption efforts, easing or lifting of currency restrictions, sufficient labour availability, well-developed digital infrastructure, strong reforms linked to EU integration, access to international financial instruments and guarantees, and reliable local partners.

As for investor-related support, the most helpful measures would include:

• Simplified permitting procedures – 47%

• Tax and customs incentives – 42%

• Business networking opportunities – 40%

• Assistance in identifying local partners – 34%

• Legal and tax advisory services – 30%

• Access to market and regulatory information – 28%

Among the most valued support tools are investment guarantees, war and political risk insurance, as well as tax benefits and investment incentives.

For those investors willing to enter the market before the war ends, the most attractive sectors are construction and restoration, services, and infrastructure. Their key support needs include business networking and assistance in finding reliable local partners.

For reference

The Foreign Investor Sentiment Survey was conducted among the members of the Global Business for Ukraine and the European Business Association, specifically targeting foreign businesses.

It was designed with the support of the EBA Ukraine Recovery Committee to better understand the opportunities and barriers foreign investors face when considering investing in Ukraine.

A total of 53 respondents from 18 countries participated in the survey conducted from June 5 to July 1, 2025.