Since 24 February 2022, Ukraine has defended its territory from the advancing Russian war of attrition. Supported by allies in Europe and North America, recovery processes have become central to its defence strategy. The rebuilding of damaged infrastructure, attracting foreign investment to prevent economic collapse, as well as a wealth of bilateral projects aimed at sectors like energy, climate protection, healthcare, education, and social care have capitalised on the opportunities for change, and the resilience required for recovery. With EU candidate status formalised in 2022 and accession negotiations opening in 2024, Ukraine’s recovery process offers a unique perspective on socio-political transitions during armed conflict.

This event will review internationally supported recovery processes and contribute to discussions ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, hosted by Italy in spring 2025. It will examine key areas such as political economy, war economies, EU enlargement, development and reconstruction, and draw insights from comparative experiences in peacebuilding and recovery. Additionally, it will address a series of questions aimed at unpacking the specificities, processes and effects Ukraine recovery, but also the comparable dynamics at work, drawing on insights from communities with experience from reconstruction and peacebuilding.