Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026: Aspen Institute Kyiv and Aspen Institute Central Europe Host Dialogue on Ukraine’s Integration into European Markets

What will it take for Ukraine to become not only part of the European market, but one of its co-creators?

This question was at the heart of the Aspen Dialogue “From Supporters to Strategic Partners: Integrating Ukraine with the European Markets,” held on 24 June 2026 during the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 in Gdańsk. The event was co-organised by Aspen Institute Kyiv and the Warsaw Office of Aspen Institute Central Europe, bringing together representatives of government, business, international financial institutions, and the expert community.

The discussion extended well beyond the topic of post-war recovery. Participants explored what Ukraine’s economic integration into Europe should look like—not as a process that begins after the war, but as a shared effort that is already underway.

 

Investment emerged as one of the central themes. Participants agreed that the willingness of businesses to invest and operate in Ukraine will largely depend on how effectively the Ukrainian government and its international partners can establish reliable risk mitigation mechanisms. Such instruments are essential for unlocking long-term investment and enabling large-scale joint projects.

Another important focus was Ukraine’s own experience. Russia’s full-scale invasion has turned Ukraine not only into a testing ground for new defence technologies but also into an environment where businesses have learned to operate under constant uncertainty, adapt rapidly, and develop innovative solutions. Participants noted that this experience already offers valuable lessons for European partners.

The discussion also explored how the experience of Central European countries can support Ukraine in implementing systemic reforms, as well as which regulatory frameworks are needed to facilitate joint Ukrainian-European investment projects.

Opening remarks were delivered by Natalie Jaresko, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Aspen Institute Kyiv; Bartłomiej Kot, Director of the Warsaw Office of Aspen Institute Central Europe; Dariia Marchak, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine; and Michał Szczerba, Member of the European Parliament. The discussion was moderated by Andy Hunder, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.

We are grateful to the Warsaw Office of Aspen Institute Central Europe for its partnership in organising this event, to Andy Hunder for his thoughtful moderation, and to all participants for a rich and forward-looking discussion.

Ukraine’s economic integration into Europe is about far more than financial support or access to new markets. It is about jointly shaping the rules, building trust among partners, and working together to create a shared future.