On July 7, 2025, Stand With Ukraine took part in the Central Europe–Ukraine Business Forum organized by Business France at the Senate in Paris.

A key moment of the event: the workshop dedicated to Ukraine, where elected officials, companies, and institutions highlighted the economic and solidarity-based opportunities linked to the country’s reconstruction.

Between political commitment and economic mobilization

Moderated by Romain Desthieux, Director of Business France Ukraine, the workshop opened with speeches from Nadia Sollogoub, President of the France-Ukraine interparliamentary friendship group in the Senate, and Lesia Vasylenko, Co-President of the France-Ukraine friendship group in the Ukrainian Parliament.

Pierre Heilbronn, Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for aid and reconstruction in Ukraine, recalled the central role of businesses in Ukraine’s reconstruction, welcoming the measures put in place (insurance, bilateral funds, guarantees) to secure investments on the ground.

Concrete partnerships already in place

SMEs and major French groups are already active in Ukraine:
– Nicolas Fournier presented DESSINTEY, a company specializing in innovative rehabilitation solutions, particularly serving war-wounded individuals.
– Mathieu Carluer, representing EDF International Networks, highlighted the company’s commitment to Ukraine’s energy integration into the European grid.
– Dominique Menu recalled that BNP Paribas, present in Ukraine since 2008, remains a major banking player alongside UkrEximBank.

Tools to build the future

Several support mechanisms were recalled:
– FASEP (Private Sector Aid and Study Fund) is a public tool supporting the internationalization of French companies. It provides financing, in the form of grants or repayable advances of up to €500,000, for feasibility studies or pilot projects carried out for public authorities in developing countries.
It notably opened an office in Ukraine in July 2024 to facilitate its deployment and monitoring.
Its dual objective is to support the export of French know-how while contributing to the development of projects with strong local impact.
– The Franco-Ukrainian bilateral fund: With a budget of €200 million, the Ukraine Fund, created by a bilateral agreement signed on June 7, 2024, finances projects in strategic sectors such as energy, water, and health.
– The mandate of AFD (French Development Agency) in Ukraine, the only bilateral development bank offering direct loans to Ukrainian local authorities, has enabled the launch of a real project laboratory in key sectors such as health, water, and mobility.
These initial initiatives pave the way for large-scale financing, supported by European Union guarantees.
– Investment insurance: This mechanism protects any French company making long-term investments in Ukraine against political risks (property violations, non-payment), covering up to 97.5% of the amount for various types of investment (equity, bank loan, shareholder loan).
– The destruction register (Council of Europe)

Lawyer Oksana Zoppini (BG2V law firm) emphasized the importance of a good understanding of the local context and appropriate support through Franco-Ukrainian networks.

Building a more resilient Europe

The workshop concluded with a clear vision: supporting Ukraine means investing in a stronger and more united Europe. At Stand With Ukraine, we call for strengthening this momentum by further mobilizing local authorities, young businesses, and engaged youth. Ukraine is much more than a country to rebuild. It is a future partner for Europe.

We aim to amplify this dynamic by strengthening the links between French and Ukrainian local authorities. This involves sharing expertise, supporting Ukrainian communities, and encouraging companies to take part in this common effort.

Supporting Ukraine means defending the security of Europe and France. But it also means investing in a strategic partnership for the future.
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