Brussels, 17 October 2024 – Over 40 participants, including key representatives from the Government of Ukraine, the European Union, UNIDO, and the global AI community, gathered at the United Nations House in Brussels for the event titled "Investing in Ukraine: Artificial Intelligence for Economic Recovery." During the event, the report "Mapping of the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Priority Sectors and the Competitiveness of Ukraine," developed with the support of the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), was unveiled. The forum provided a pivotal opportunity to discuss how AI can drive Ukraine’s economic recovery while enhancing Europe’s global competitiveness.  

Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, UNIDO partnered with the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in 2023-2024 to map the use of AI across priority sectors in Ukraine, as identified by the Ukrainian government. The findings, cross-referenced with similar studies within the EU indicate that Ukraine possesses significant potential to contribute to Europe’s competitiveness. Investment and cooperation are needed to create a favourable environment for Ukraine’s AI sector, strengthening the EU’s capacity to lead in this critical area.  

Building on these insights, the event "Investing in Ukraine: Artificial Intelligence for Economic Recovery" brought together high-level speakers and experts from the Government of Ukraine, the European Union, and the global AI community to explore strategies for leveraging AI. The discussions focused on a tool for Ukraine’s recovery and highlighted its value in enhancing the EU’s technological capabilities. Without Ukraine’s contributions, Europe’s ambitions to become a global leader in AI could face significant challenges.  

Discussions underscored that Ukraine's role is not limited to benefiting from the EU’s initiatives. Instead, Ukraine is viewed as a strategic partner whose AI advancements are pivotal to the EU’s success in the global technology arena. As such, deeper collaboration is necessary for Europe to maintain and strengthen its competitive edge.  

Opening the event, Christophe Yvetot, UNIDO Representative to the EU, highlighted Ukraine’s achievements in AI despite ongoing challenges. He stated, “The European Union stands as a vital strategic partner, leading overall reconstruction efforts in Ukraine through initiatives such as the Ukraine Plan and the Ukraine Facility. Cooperation with the EU in AI is not only crucial for Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration but is also a key element in reinforcing Europe’s technological leadership.”  

High-level speakers emphasized the need to harmonize legislation, which will facilitate Ukraine’s accession to the EU while underscoring mutual benefits for both Ukraine and its European partners. Serhii Tereshko, Deputy Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the European Union, emphasized that Ukraine’s AI ecosystem is growing rapidly, despite the ongoing challenges, and that AI plays a critical role in driving innovation and economic recovery in Ukraine. He noted that international collaboration is essential for fully realizing Ukraine’s AI potential, which in turn will strengthen Europe’s technological leadership globally. Insights were also shared by Dmytro Hryshchak, Deputy Minister for Digital Development at the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine; Evin Incir, Member of the European Parliament; and Maija Celmina, Policy Assistant in the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis at the European Commission. 

Andrea Renda, Director of Research at CEPS, presented findings from the report, which showed that Ukraine’s AI ecosystem ranks highly in the region, supported by strong indicators such as scientific publications, patents, and venture capital investment in AI startups. He pointed out that Kyiv has already emerged as a significant AI hub in Europe, with the potential to shape key sectors identified as priorities for future economic growth, including robotics, defence, healthcare, and agriculture.  

The event also featured a panel discussion titled "Digital Green Industrial Recovery: Bridging EU and Ukraine AI Ecosystems," moderated by Andrea Rendax, who examined how closer integration of Ukraine’s AI sector into the broader European ecosystem can yield mutual benefits. Panellists included Oleksandr Tsybort, Deputy Minister for Digital Development of Ukraine, Martin Baily, Head of Unit for Artificial Intelligence for Societal Good at DG CONNECT, Stephan Sicars, UNIDO’s Senior Coordinator for Ukraine, and others. Stephan Sicars emphasized that this report enables policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to pursue targeted AI-driven initiatives that enhance Ukraine’s competitiveness, foster sustainable development, and strengthen economic resilience. Panellists agreed that fostering this partnership would not only accelerate Ukraine’s recovery but also address critical gaps in Europe’s AI landscape, strengthening its global position.    

The event underscored AI's transformative potential in driving Ukraine’s economic recovery while enhancing Europe’s competitiveness in the global AI market. The report provides a roadmap for deeper collaboration between Ukraine and the EU, with AI at the centre of innovation, industrial modernization, and digital resilience. This partnership is expected to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and bolster Europe’s position in global AI advancements.  

The full report, "Mapping of the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Priority Sectors and the Competitiveness of Ukraine," can be accessed here.   

For further information please contact: 

Tomoyoshi Koume and Nikolaus Martys

Division of Digital Transformation and AI Strategies.

Brussels Liaison Office 
office.brussels@unido.org