The European Investment Bank (EIB) invested over EUR 1 billion in Ukraine in 2020 alone. This represents an increase of more than 50% compared to 2019, the press service of the bank has reported.
“We delivered record investment of over EUR 1 billion in Ukraine in 2020, focusing our operations on support for conflict-affected regions of eastern Ukraine, sustainable and green infrastructure, digitalization, innovation and business recovery after COVID-19,” the press service said, citing EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who is responsible for operations in Ukraine.
She said that Ukraine is the main recipient country of EIB investments in the Eastern Neighbourhood, accounting for more than 60% of the EIB’s lending activity in the region and supporting the European Union’s policies in its neighbourhood.
According to the report, total EIB investment in Ukraine has now reached EUR 7.5 billion.
The EIB financed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to ensure they can survive the crisis and continue to provide jobs. It also invested in infrastructure rehabilitation and development, innovation and improvements in public transport and key public services such as education and the postal service.
In 2020, the EIB supported 75 SMEs and mid-caps and helped sustain close to 18,500 jobs in Ukraine.
