Germany supports sustainable, climate-friendly and green reconstruction in Ukraine
Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and Sören Bartol, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building, are beginning a multi-day visit to Ukraine today. Accompanied by a delegation of German green-tech companies, he will kick off the first German-Ukrainian Green-Tech Investors’ Roundtable. The aim of the trip is to work with Ukrainian partners to explore opportunities for climate-friendly and resilient infrastructure reconstruction and further recovery early on, with the involvement of German companies.
Carsten Schneider remarked: “I am extremely impressed by the way Ukraine is working to secure its future and driving forward reforms, despite Russia’s war of aggression. The ongoing war, recovery and reconstruction are taking place simultaneously. Key decisions for Ukraine’s future are already charting the course. Sustainable infrastructure reconstruction is central to Ukraine’s resilience, long-term growth and prosperity. Germany stands ready to support Ukraine with expertise, technology and targeted cooperation – from environmental and climate technologies to the protection of Ukraine’s unique natural heritage. In return, we can learn a lot from Ukraine about innovative capabilities, crisis management and resilience.”
In Kyiv, Federal Minister Schneider and State Secretary Bartol will engage in political discussions with representatives of the Ukrainian government, civil society and Ukrainian companies, and gain insight into infrastructure reconstruction – in particular, how energy and supply security are being advanced through renewable energy solutions and energy efficiency under wartime conditions.
The discussions will also focus on the EU accession process. Ukraine has been an EU candidate country since 2022 and is striving to join the EU with a strong commitment to reform. Environmental law plays a significant role in the accession process. The Federal Environment Ministry is supporting Ukraine in aligning its environmental and climate legislation with the EU acquis.
Also on the itinerary, Minister Schneider, together with his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksandr Kravchenko, will host the first German-Ukrainian Green-Tech Investors’ Roundtable. The green-tech sector – which includes companies from the recycling, renewable energy and environmental technology industries – is growing much faster than many traditional industrial sectors. It can make a significant contribution to the reconstruction and security of infrastructure in Ukraine, and promote sustainable economic development.
The Minister will also be briefed on the current situation at and within Ukraine’s nuclear power stations, including the damaged reactor at Chernobyl. Its containment structure was damaged by a drone strike in early 2025, limiting its functionality. The containment building was constructed with international support. Repairing it is a highly complex task, and a joint international effort will be needed to make this happen as soon as possible. A process has already been launched amongst the G7 countries to facilitate these efforts.
Another issue on the agenda is the state of Ukraine’s national parks, the challenges they face and how nature and biodiversity can be protected during the war. Ukraine is home to a natural heritage that is unique in Europe.