Rome, 11 July 2025 – The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC), held in Rome this year, brought together leaders from across the globe to discuss support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. At the heart of this gathering was Team Sweden’s delegation, led by Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz, who underscored the significance of Sweden’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s efforts.
In a keynote address, Ms Rosencrantz emphasized that Sweden’s support is crucial in Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom, highlighting the security of Europe as a whole. She pledged Sweden’s billion-krona contribution to the EU’s Ukraine Facility, aiming to strengthen energy infrastructure and recovery, and announced fresh support totalling SEK 135 million for cybersecurity initiatives via the Tallinn Mechanism.
This commitment is part of an extensive reprioritisation of Sweden’s 2025 development assistance budget, with Ukraine now receiving the single largest share of Swedish development assistance. “Ukraine is defending both its own freedom and ours,” Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa stated, as they increased support to further strengthen their collaboration.
Joint Nordic initiatives were also a focus of discussion, including an agreement for a water purification project in Lviv with the city’s mayor, underpinned by Swedish and Danish development assistance. The signing of this project signals that Sweden and the Nordics are taking the lead on support to Ukraine, prioritising clean water as vital for the country’s recovery.
During the conference, Ms Rosencrantz participated in a ministerial meeting with European Commissioner Marta Kos, met with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, and joined a panel debate on Ukraine’s EU reforms. The event drew approximately 3,500 participants from across Ukraine, the EU, G7 countries, and international organisations.
In addition to the conference announcements, Swedfund secured an agreement for a major loan to a Ukrainian food producer as part of a EUR 100 million funding package led by the EBRD. They also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to deepen cooperation in healthcare, participated in the launch of the Power Women project to strengthen women’s skills and participation in energy sectors, and launched their participation in the International Coalition for Supporting Science, Research, and Innovation in Ukraine.
Sweden’s support to Ukraine since February 2022 now totals approximately SEK 92.8 billion, with a significant proportion allocated to military support and civilian initiatives such as reconstruction, reform support, humanitarian assistance, and financial aid.
The significance of Sweden’s commitment to Ukraine cannot be overstated, as the country continues its efforts to rebuild and strengthen its institutions. The conference marks an important milestone in this journey, showcasing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
- Sweden’s billion-krona contribution to the EU’s Ukraine Facility will aim to strengthen energy infrastructure and recovery.
- Swedfund has secured an agreement for a major loan to a Ukrainian food producer as part of a EUR 100 million funding package led by the EBRD.
- The signing of the water purification project in Lviv signals Sweden’s commitment to clean water as vital for Ukraine’s recovery.