Prices for construction and installation work (CIW) in Ukraine rose by 19.9% in April 2026 compared to April 2025, according to the State Statistics Service (SSS).
According to the statistics agency, prices rose in all segments of construction from April 2025 to April 2026: in residential construction by 16.7% (up 2.1% from the previous month), in non-residential construction by 20.8% (2.9%), and in civil engineering by 20.5% (3.5%).
From January to April of this year compared to the same period last year, construction material prices rose by 12.4%, specifically in the residential sector by 11.1%, in the non-residential sector by 13%, and in civil engineering by 12.4%.
As reported, in 2025, construction material prices rose by 5.8% compared to the previous year, in 2024 by 7.9%, and in 2023 by 15.8%.
CONSTRUCTION, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, PRICES, State Statistics Service, UKRAINE
According to the think tank Experts Club, Kyiv ranked 36th out of 37 European cities in the Global Property Guide’s housing cost ranking, according to data from the updated “Square Meter Prices in European Cities” table for April 2026, published on the study’s website.
The average housing cost in the Ukrainian capital is estimated at €1,970 per square meter. Over the past year, the figure has risen by 2.6%, and over two years—by 0.9%.
In the ranking, Kyiv emerged as one of the most affordable markets in Europe. Only Chisinau ranks lower than the Ukrainian capital in the table, where the average price of apartments is 1,720 euros per square meter. At the same time, Kyiv is cheaper not only than Western European capitals but also than most cities in Central and Southeastern Europe.
For comparison, in Belgrade the average price of new properties is 3,333 thousand euros per square meter, in Podgorica—2,141 thousand euros, in Bucharest—2,250 thousand euros, in Sofia—€2,300, in Athens—€2,500, in Budapest—€3,061, and in Zagreb—€3,781
Kyiv’s low ranking in the European table reflects the war’s impact on the real estate market, investment risks, limited external demand, and buyer caution. Unlike many European capitals, where prices are supported by mortgages, migration, and stable investment demand, the Ukrainian market remains dependent on security, macroeconomics, and the recovery of business activity.
At the same time, positive annual dynamics indicate that the Kyiv market is not in a state of sharp decline. Year-over-year growth of 2.6% indicates the presence of domestic demand, particularly in the segments of completed housing, high-quality properties, and locations with developed infrastructure.
Kyiv remains Ukraine’s largest real estate market and the country’s main hub of business activity. It accounts for a significant portion of the demand for residential, office, retail, and rental properties. Once the active phase of the war ends, the capital could become one of the key hubs for the recovery of investment activity.
For now, Kyiv remains one of the most affordable major European cities in terms of housing costs in euros. For potential investors, this may mean a low entry threshold, but at the same time, a high level of country, military, and regulatory risk.
The Global Property Guide study is available at: https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/europe/square-meter-prices
Ukrainian steelmakers reduced pig iron production by 0.6% in January–May of this year compared to the same period last year, down to 2.990 million tons.
According to data from the Ukrmetallurgprom association, 634,400 tons of pig iron were produced in May, 554,000 tons in April, 690,200 tons in March, in February—561,900 tons, and in January—549,900 tons.
As reported, Ukraine’s metallurgical enterprises increased pig iron production by 11.2% in 2025—to 7.884 million tons.
In 2024, Ukraine increased pig iron production by 18.1% compared to 2023—to 7.090 million tons. In 2023, pig iron production decreased by 6.1% to 6.003 million tons, and in 2022, by 69.8% to 6.391 million tons.
In 2021, before the war, 21.165 million tons of pig iron were produced, or 103.6% of the 2020 level.
The Experts Club Information and Analytical Center recently presented a video analysis of the top 20 steel-producing countries – https://youtube.com/shorts/j7Yev2HCS4o?si=lfmGJ5jrx8036z1U
EXPERTS CLUB, METALLURGY, PIG IRON, PRODUCTION, UKRMETALLURGPROM
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11 and will be held across three countries for the first time—the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will be the largest in history: instead of 32 teams, 48 national teams will participate.
The format has changed. Teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, as well as the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to the knockout stage. This makes the group stage less intense but increases the importance of goal difference and the final score, even in matches against the favorites.
2026 World Cup Groups
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic.
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland.
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey.
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia.
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand.
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay.
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway.
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan.
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia.
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama.
The main favorites of the tournament are Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil, and England. Argentina enters the tournament as the reigning world champion, France remains one of the strongest teams in Europe, Spain boasts a strong generation of young players, Brazil is traditionally among the title contenders, and England remains one of the most expensive and balanced national teams in terms of its roster.
Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, and Uruguay are also worth keeping an eye on. These teams may not always look like the top favorites, but they have enough quality to go far in the knockout stage.
Among the second-tier teams, Morocco, Croatia, Switzerland, Japan, Colombia, and Senegal are worth watching. Morocco has already proven at the 2022 World Cup that it can compete with European powerhouses, Croatia remains a tournament-ready team, and Japan is steadily improving and knows how to play against strong opponents.
From an economic standpoint, the 2026 World Cup will be not only a soccer event but also an infrastructure one. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico will see an influx of tourists, with hotels, airlines, restaurants, fan zones, the advertising market, and city services all experiencing additional demand for a month and a half.
The main intrigue of the tournament is whether the expanded format will maintain the quality of soccer. On the one hand, there will be more matches with clear favorites. On the other hand, smaller national teams will have a better chance of making it onto the world stage, and fans will have more unexpected storylines.
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has prepared a package of amendments to migration legislation that provides for stricter rules for issuing temporary and permanent residence permits to foreign students and spouses of Georgian citizens, according to Georgian and international media reports citing the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to the proposals, only adult foreigners enrolled in accredited educational institutions will be eligible to receive a student residence permit. Additionally, the validity period of such a residence permit may not exceed the estimated duration of the study program.
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs also proposes restricting the ability to obtain a permanent residence permit based on study. To do so, a foreign student must have resided continuously in Georgia for 10 years specifically under a student residence permit. However, time spent in the country prior to reaching the age of majority will not count toward this period.
Certain changes concern spouses of Georgian citizens. The bill provides for the introduction of a new type of permit—a residence permit for the husband or wife of a Georgian citizen. Before issuing it, a special commission will verify the authenticity of the marriage to prevent sham marriages aimed at legalizing residence in the country.
If the changes are approved, the new rules will take effect as early as July 1, 2026, and residence permits already issued prior to that date will remain valid until their expiration.
The tightening of the rules comes amid broader changes in Georgia’s migration policy. The country has previously raised the requirements for obtaining a residence permit through real estate investment, specifically by increasing the minimum property value threshold.
For foreigners considering Georgia as a destination for study, relocation, or family residence, the changes will mean a more complicated legalization process and fewer opportunities for automatic transition to permanent residency.
The tightening of rules comes amid broader changes in Georgia’s migration policy. Starting March 1, 2026, the country will also introduce new requirements for foreign nationals who are employed, running a business, self-employed, or working remotely. A transition period is in place until January 1, 2027.
For Georgia, the issue of migration has become particularly sensitive since 2022. According to a study by the ISET Policy Institute based on data from Geostat and the border police, between 2015 and 2024, the largest positive migration balance among foreigners in Georgia was recorded for citizens of Russia—97,090 people, Ukraine—27,150, Azerbaijan—14,250, Turkey—14,240, Belarus—13,540, and India—13,320.
In 2022–2024, the migration structure changed significantly. According to the same study, the main groups of foreign immigrants and net migration growth were citizens of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Their share of the total number of foreign immigrants rose from 32% in 2012–2021 to 62% in 2022–2024.
Separately, changes apply to Ukrainians. Previously, Georgia granted Ukrainian citizens a longer visa-free stay, but in 2025, it was reduced to one year.
Georgia had previously tightened the requirements for obtaining a residence permit through real estate investment, specifically by raising the minimum property value threshold.
The Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association (UREA) supports the revision of electricity transmission tariffs for NPC “Ukrenergo” and proposes simultaneously launching the practical implementation of a mechanism to protect vulnerable electricity consumers and accelerating the introduction of targeted monetary support for the population.
This is stated in the association’s official letter addressed to the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NEURC) and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, published on Facebook.
“The UAVE emphasizes: the discussion should not be limited solely to the tariff rate. A comprehensive solution is needed—a financially sound tariff must be combined with a gradual reduction of cross-subsidization and the launch of targeted monetary support for vulnerable consumers,” the association stressed.
The UAVE also considers it necessary to work with the Ministry of Social Policy, Ukrenergo, distribution system operators (DSOs), and other stakeholders to develop a data-sharing mechanism for launching targeted monetization of subsidies.
The association asserts that this approach will help maintain the financial stability of the energy sector, preserve social protection for the population, and reduce distortions in the electricity market. The transition to targeted support also aligns with Ukraine’s commitments regarding market liberalization to the EU, the IMF, and other international partners.
In turn, as stated in the association’s appeal to the NEURC and the Ministry of Energy, the UEA supports Ukrenergo’s position on the electricity transmission tariff, as the financial stability of the transmission system operator (TSO) is critical for the reliable operation of the power system, the fulfillment of special obligations, stable settlements between market participants, and the restoration of energy infrastructure.
The association cited Ukrenergo data, according to which the projected volume of electricity transmission in 2026 will be approximately 89.6 million MWh, which is significantly lower than the figure used when setting the current tariff. At the same time, costs to cover transmission losses have increased, the configuration of power grids is changing, and the volumes of electricity imports and long-distance transmission are growing—a situation that, against the backdrop of ongoing damage to energy infrastructure, requires significant financial investment.
“Trends such as the accumulation of debt among market participants, deteriorating payment discipline, reduced opportunities for the restoration and development of grid infrastructure, and a decline in the investment attractiveness of the energy sector—all in the absence of a source to cover the TSO’s costs—will intensify,” the UAVE emphasized.
At the same time, as the association noted, amid systematic attacks on energy infrastructure, the development of distributed generation, renewable energy sources (RES), and energy storage systems has become one of the key elements of energy security, as these facilities provide additional stability to the power system, increase its flexibility and maneuverability, and reduce the risk of shortages.
“Therefore, ensuring timely and predictable payments to renewable energy producers is not only a matter of fulfilling financial obligations but also a crucial factor in the further development of Ukraine’s energy resilience,” the UAVE concluded.
As reported, the NEURC proposes setting the tariff for NPC “Ukrenergo” for electricity transmission at 903.53 UAH/MWh (excluding VAT) effective July 1, 2026, which is 21.62% higher than the current rate.
It is noted that the updated tariff component for Ukrenergo’s special obligations regarding payment for electricity from alternative sources amounts to 367.56 UAH/MWh within the transmission tariff structure.
Accordingly, it is proposed to increase the dispatch tariff by 7.83% to 118.64 UAH/MWh.
