REBIRTH OF UKRAINE: How Madrid became the epicenter of the Ukrainian-Spanish economic partnership

UA-ES Economic Recovery Promotion Business Forum

On February 26, 2025, the international business forum REBIRTH OF UKRAINE was held in Madrid at the headquarters of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which became the central event of the Ukrainian trade mission to Spain. The forum became a unique platform for discussing Ukraine’s recovery and opportunities for Spanish companies to join this process. The event attracted considerable attention from the business community: over 130 leading Spanish companies and organizations registered to participate, including Televes Corporation, Ortopedia Ortoespaña SL, Repsol, VIVEROS VERON, AECID, XPANEL, Acciona, S.A., ADIF and many others.

In addition, 23 representatives of Ukrainian communities and 16 representatives of business presented their projects and proposals for cooperation, opening new opportunities for partnership between Ukraine and Spain.

This forum was the next step in a series of international business meetings that promote the development of Ukrainian exports and attract foreign investment. The next major event is the REBIRTH OF UKRAINE trade mission to Ukraine, which will take place in June 2025.

Opening of the forum: unity for reconstruction

The forum began with welcoming speeches by key speakers. Jaime Montalvo, International Director of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, emphasized:

The trip with the Minister of Economy showed us how good it is to work with Ukrainians, how much mutual understanding we have and how well we were able to build a dialogue!

Alicia Varela Donoso, Director General for International Trade and Investment, ICEX/FIEM, said:

We are all in solidarity with Ukraine, we are worried and live with thoughts of Ukraine, so we express our gratitude to the Ukrainian people, because thanks to the courage of the Ukrainian people, Europe can breathe easy and feel secure. We will always be indebted to the Ukrainians!

Serhii Ustymenko, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Ukraine in Spain, emphasized the strategic importance of the Spanish-Ukrainian partnership:

Spain is a great economic partner of Ukraine! We would also like to make an appeal to the Spanish side – not to wait for better conditions for investment, because Ukraine already has good conditions and insurance against the risk of war. Now is a unique chance for Spanish companies to enter the historic process of Ukraine’s reconstruction.

The opening of the forum made it possible to outline key areas of cooperation. Representatives of the governments, businesses, and municipalities of Ukraine and Spain emphasized that Ukraine’s recovery is not only a challenge but also a huge opportunity for Spanish companies to join strategic projects in the areas of infrastructure, energy, technology, and municipal development.

Economy of Trust Ukraine, a strategic partner of the Mayors’ Club, is implementing a number of large-scale projects and actively attracting investors. Thanks to such energetic activists as Henry Shterenberg, President of WTC Kyiv and CEO of Economy of Trust Ukraine, we are actively developing the country and expanding partnership opportunities.

Ukraine has a unique potential to become a global hub for innovation and investment. Our task is to create trust as the basis for the country’s economic breakthrough.

Key panel discussions and their results

The forum featured seven key sections, each covering important aspects of Ukrainian-Spanish cooperation. From regional cooperation and energy to innovation, humanitarian aid, agriculture, project financing, and future initiatives, each section emphasized the importance of joining forces for Ukraine’s economic recovery and sustainable development. The Ukrainian delegation presented a number of projects that require funding and investment, including in the energy, infrastructure, agricultural, and innovative technologies sectors. These initiatives are aimed at rebuilding the country, ensuring energy independence, and creating conditions for sustainable economic growth. The Forum has become a platform for sharing experiences, finding new opportunities and building long-term partnerships that will contribute to the realization of the ambitious goals of both countries.

Regional cooperation and international support

The panel was attended by Francisco Díaz Latorre (Director General of Legal Services and Territorial Coordination at FEMP), Yuliia Chufistova (Member of the Presidium of the Mayors’ Club of Ukraine), Oleksandr Syenkevych (Mayor of Mykolaiv), and the participants explained how the Spanish experience of decentralization and municipal cooperation can be useful for Ukraine. Particular attention was paid to the role of local authorities in rebuilding infrastructure, providing humanitarian aid and ensuring stability.

Key points:

• Spain has a strong system of autonomous communities that can serve as an example for Ukraine.
• Ukrainian cities need support to recover from the war’s destruction.
• Municipal networks can be a key tool for sharing experiences and resources.

Francisco Díaz Latorre, FEMP: “Mayors of cities and municipalities in our countries need to unite with each other. We need to work together to overcome the challenges that each country faces.”

“We are ready to help and support Spanish businesses that wish to visit Ukraine and receive full support in organizing meetings with Ukrainian mayors and businesses,” said Yuliia Chufistova, Member of the Presidium of the Mayors’ Club of Ukraine, who also invited everyone to participate in the REBIRTH OF UKRAINE trade mission to Ukraine.

Energy and infrastructure

Participants such as Hector Rodriguez (SERCOBE), Serhii Morhunov (Vinnitssa city council), Lyudmyla Prokopenko (Mayor of Dobroslav), Yevgen Erik (SolarGaps), discussed the possibilities of using Spanish technologies in the field of renewable energy, smart grids and energy efficiency.

Key points:

• Spain is a world leader in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power.
• Ukraine needs to invest in modern energy infrastructure to ensure energy independence.
• Smart technologies can be part of the solution for Ukraine.

Serhii Morhunov

Technology parks and innovations

The panelists were Henry Shterenberg (Economy of Trust Ukraine, WTC), Tatiana Skydan (Tech4Good), Fernando Turrion (Asociación Empresarial de Amigos de Ucrania), Maksym Samchyk (Raihorodok territorial community), and discussed how the Spanish experience in creating innovation ecosystems can be used in Ukraine.

Key points:

• Innovation hubs play an important role in supporting startups and research.
• Spanish companies can invest in Ukrainian technology parks and contribute to the development of high-tech industries.
• Cooperation between Spanish and Ukrainian technology companies can accelerate Ukraine’s digital transformation.

Humanitarian aid and projects

This section was dedicated to humanitarian aid and support for internally displaced persons. Participants Romina M. Giovaniello Lorenzo (FUNDESII), Vitalii Karabanov (Mayor of Balakliia city Ukraine), Viktoriia Savitska (Epicentr group of companies), Declan O’Halloran (Quintas Energy), Rob Cecilio (Dendron Neurotechnologies)discussed how to integrate humanitarian efforts with economic recovery.

Key points:

• Humanitarian aid should not only be about providing resources, but also about restoring people’s hope and dignity.
• The private sector, like Epicentr Group, plays an important role in providing aid and rebuilding infrastructure.
• Innovative medical technologies can support the mental health of those affected by war.

Declan O’Halloran, Quintas Energy, said:

We know how we can help hospitals in Ukraine and we are ready to do more and more!

Pablo Gan Quesada, Senior Coordinator for Ukraine, AECID, said:

We are helping and will continue to help Ukraine in humanitarian aid and in the reconstruction of Ukraine. AECID’s assistance will continue not only this year, but for as long as it is needed.

Agriculture: technology and development

This section focused on innovations in agriculture and the possibilities of using Spanish technologies for the development of the Ukrainian agricultural sector. The panelists were Ihor Ivanchenko (Embassy of Ukraine in Spain), Vladyslava Magaletska (Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine), Manuel Alcaraz (Cereales y Harinas Garsan S.L), Kristina Serebryakova (ASAP Agri), Maria Melgares (VIVEROS VERON).

Key points:

• Spain is a leader in high-tech farming, automated irrigation systems, and biotechnology.
• Ukraine can use Spanish technologies to improve agricultural efficiency.
• Cooperation between Spanish and Ukrainian agricultural companies can accelerate the modernization of the sector.

We have been working in Ukraine for many years, the beginning was difficult, and then the war came and it became even more difficult, and today we already see that the situation is stabilizing and I want to say that this is a very good opportunity for Spanish investors to come to Ukraine! – Manuel Alcaraz, Garsan.

Project financing, risk minimization and government support

This section was dedicated to financial instruments and mechanisms to support investments in Ukraine. The panelists Juan Jose Otamendi Garcia-Jalon, Aknur Jumatova (IFC-Project financing in Ukraine), Oleksandra Sologub (NAZOVNI platform), Juan Díaz Bidart (Urbas), Mark Corbidge (Abbeydale Partners) discussed how Spanish financial instruments such as FIEM can help in the implementation of projects.

Key points:

• Spain provides financial support through FIEM and other mechanisms to promote investment in Ukraine.
• Public-private partnerships are a key tool to minimize risks.
• Government support is an important factor in attracting foreign investment.

I think we need to be clear: while the past is not the responsibility of the current generation of Ukrainian mayors, we must strive for absolute transparency – as the British say, whiter than white. We must truly demonstrate that as a nation we understand this. And I say this, of course, on behalf of Ukraine, not as a Ukrainian. – Mark Corbidge, Founder and CEO of Abbeydale Partners, Economy of Trust Ukraine Inc. Advisory Board Member.

Spanish companies are interested in the Ukrainian market, but of course the market is unfamiliar to Spanish investors, it takes time, and we believe that Ukraine will be rebuilt even better than it was before. We want to know how we can help Ukraine in its reconstruction – Juan Díaz Bidart, Urbas.

Roadmap for future cooperation

This section was dedicated to planning future cooperation between Ukraine and Spain. Participants Henry Shterenberg (Economy of Trust Ukraine, WTC), Hector Rodriguez (Sercobe), Jose Carlos Sanz (Ortopedia Ortoespaña SL), D. José Santiago Rey (Televes Corporation), Tetiana Pankrat (area manager, patentes talgo)discussed successful projects and recommendations for further cooperation.

Key points:

• Spanish experience in implementing infrastructure projects can be useful for Ukraine.
• Joint initiatives in defense, energy, and innovation can form the basis for future cooperation.
• Long-term partnerships should be developed to ensure stability.

We have to identify priority projects for Ukraine and help the recovery, revival and reconstruction of Ukraine – Hector Rodriguez, Sercobe.

The forum ended with a historic moment: Abogado Luis Gómez-Ojero Martínez (founder of GÓMEZ-OJERO ABOGADOS, Governor of Rotary International in District 2201, Spain) announced the inauguration of the Rotary Club Madrid Passport España, an association of Ukrainian businesses that will continue to work on the development of Ukrainian-Spanish relations. The club will act as an international alliance aimed at rebuilding Ukraine. It will consist of 20 leaders of large companies united to serve a higher purpose.

“It is extremely important for us to continue to stay in touch with each other. This forum is not just an event, it is the beginning of a long-term partnership between Ukraine and Spain. We have seen a huge interest of Spanish companies in participating in the reconstruction of Ukraine, and our task is to turn these intentions into real projects. The next step will be our trade mission to Ukraine in June, which will continue this dialogue and open up new opportunities for international cooperation. Together we are building a new Ukraine and creating the foundation for sustainable development and economic growth.” – Henry Shterenberg, Economy of Trust Ukraine, President of WTC Kyiv.

The Forum was an important step in strengthening Ukrainian-Spanish economic ties. Participants agreed on the need for further cooperation in key areas such as energy, infrastructure, innovation, agriculture and humanitarian aid. Spanish companies have shown significant interest in investing in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian delegation emphasized their readiness to implement joint projects.

Gratitude to partners and organizers

We are sincerely grateful to our partners, co-organizers, sponsors and friends in Spain, in particular the Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of Spain, Chamber of Commerce of Spain, Caetra (Defense, Security and Rebuilding Platform), Instituto de Fomento de la Region de Murcia, ICEX, Sercobe, CEOE, Camara de Madrid, LEXDIXIT, Rotary International in District 2201 of Spain, GARSAN, KLA OIL, GÓMEZ-OJERO ABOGADOS, for their support in organizing and creating conditions for a productive dialogue at the forum and the trade mission in general. Also, we would like to thank all the speakers, participants and moderators who made this forum and this trade mission so meaningful and inspiring.

📌 You can watch the recording of the forum in Spanish here

📌 You can watch the recording of the forum in Ukrainian here

📌 Photos from the forum can be viewed here

We are grateful to Spain for its support. Together we are building not only a new Ukraine, but also a new model of international cooperation – strong, reliable and mutually beneficial.