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🌐Technologies Shaping the Future: Finnish Expertise for Ukraine’s Reconstruction

The topic of Finnish-Ukrainian cooperation in recovery was examined in detail during the forum “Modern Finnish Technologies, Equipment, and Expertise for Ukraine’s Reconstruction,” organized by the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine with the support of the Embassy of Finland in Ukraine.

🤝The event was opened by Lev Partskhaladze, President of the CBU, who expressed gratitude to Finland for its support of Ukraine: “Finland has been one of the most active countries supporting Ukraine since the first days of the full-scale invasion. We are sincerely thankful to the Finnish government, businesses, industry associations, and all the people of Finland for this assistance. Special thanks to the Embassy of Finland in Ukraine for its initiative and ongoing support of Ukrainian-Finnish business contacts.”

He emphasized that Finland’s post-war reconstruction experience is extremely valuable in the context of Ukraine’s rebuilding, while the Ukrainian market is open and promising for foreign investors.

🌐The forum served as a platform for direct negotiations between business representatives: a series of B2B meetings was organized, during which Finnish companies established direct contacts with Ukrainian partners.

✔️In her welcoming remarks, Jaana Rekolainen, Chief Executive Officer of EastCham Finland, highlighted the importance of rapid project implementation, particularly in the housing sector and critical infrastructure — referring to the creation of modern, resilient, and environmentally friendly infrastructure based on cutting-edge technologies. Ms. Rekolainen stressed that Finnish companies are ready to join this process, but only in close partnership with Ukrainian counterparts.

💰Henry Riihimäki, Senior Trade and Reconstruction Specialist Embassy of Finland in Ukraine, noted that since the start of the war Finland has provided Ukraine with comprehensive assistance, including humanitarian, financial, and coordination support. Today, the primary focus is on developing trade relations and establishing business contacts between companies of the two countries. He emphasized the importance of a practical approach, which is valued both in Ukraine and in Finland.

🌿Tetiana Lytvyn, Head of Representative Office, Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of a green and energy-efficient approach to reconstruction, supported by all international financial institutions. One of the most relevant examples is the pilot school reconstruction project using Finnish wooden construction technologies, which demonstrates exactly how the Finns can transfer their expertise to Ukrainian partners.

🤝Nikke Karjalainen, Finnpartnership Manager for Financing, spoke about support for Finnish companies interested in long-term cooperation with Ukrainian businesses. According to him, interest in Ukraine from Finnish entrepreneurs has grown significantly, and our country is now one of the most popular among potential partners.

🔵The first discussion block was devoted to the topic “Innovative design and rapid design: Finnish experience for modern reconstruction”. Participants focused on the modernization of state regulation and building codes, the implementation of prefab technologies, and Finnish expertise in rapid housing design. Of particular interest were questions of state policy on creating conditions for investors and the use of modern building solutions.

📜Olena Shuliak, Head of the VRU Committee on State Building, Local Governance, Regional and Urban Development, Head of «Servant of the People», emphasized the importance of regulatory and legislative support for reconstruction. She stressed that the modern system must create transparent and attractive conditions for investors and highlighted the need to reform the permitting system and adapt Ukrainian procedures to European standards.

Ms. Shuliak listed four key challenges: building investment trust; the lack of clear planning (communities need to understand which projects, with what priorities, and on what timelines will be implemented); the ongoing need to improve technical standards to build innovatively; and outdated approaches to budgeting.

She also noted the necessity of adopting international standards and integrating them as fully as possible into Ukrainian practice, specifically international contract forms and European project management approaches.

The issue of workforce and vocational-technical education remains important. Olena Shuliak reminded that business representatives can now shape professional standards, act as clients, and define demand for specific qualifications.

📜Kateryna Ivanova, Head of the Regulatory Support Department of the Department of Technical Regulation in Construction of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, noted that Finnish experience is already being used in Ukrainian technical documents regarding the design and construction of protective structures.

Work in the field of digitalization is also actively ongoing. Digitalization is a necessary component of all work areas, ensuring full transparency of construction services and speeding up construction processes.

The harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with European standards is ongoing. Regulation 305 of the EU has already been implemented. Over 250 national standards for construction products have been developed. The Ministry has also ensured alignment of Ukraine’s regulatory framework for structural design with the EU framework by adopting parts of the Eurocodes as national standards — 58 documents in total, alongside Ukraine’s national documents. In recent years, more than 20 standards for structural design under the Eurocodes have been developed.

Ms. Ivanova reminded that state construction standards V.2.2‑5:2023 “Civil Protection Shelters” are in force. The standards establish requirements for the design and construction of civil protection and dual‑use shelters. She described the necessary protective properties, types of shelters, and requirements for exits.

The Ministry is open to cooperation and the implementation of best practices.

Representatives of Finnish companies also shared their experience:

👤 Yurii Tromsa, Director of Peikko Ukraine

👤 Jorma Syväjärvi, Managing Director of MTPartners Ltd, a partner company of Best-Hall

👤 Olha Khrameshkina, Project Manager of A-insinöörit

🔵The second block, “Steel Frame and Efficient Construction Technologies,” was dedicated to technical solutions — foundation construction, steel structures, energy efficiency, and environmental performance of buildings. Speakers presented concrete examples of solutions and technologies already in use or ready for scaling in Ukrainian communities.

🔋Yehor Fareniuk, Director of the Energy Efficiency Fund of Ukraine”, presented active programs aimed at housing modernization and community support: VidnovyDIM (RestoreHOME), Enerhodim (EnergyHome), and GreenDIM (GreenHOME).  For example, under Enerhodim, the average cost of thermal modernization is only UAH 4 000 per m².

He emphasized that foreign companies can participate freely in project implementation if they meet technical requirements. Thanks to these programs, CO₂ emissions have been reduced by over 90 000 tons annually, equivalent to six and a half million trees, highlighting the programs’ environmental impact.

🤝Yevhen Udod, First Deputy Mayor of Kryvyi Rih, shared practices of international cooperation with Finland. Kryvyi Rih actively develops a partnership with the city of Espoo, beginning with educational initiatives and extending to business projects. The city has over 300 social infrastructure facilities with potential for energy‑service projects and investor engagement. Kryvyi Rih is also developing the “Kryvbas” Industrial Park, an attractive platform for investment.

🌇Gennadiy Farenyuk, Director of the State Research Institute of Building Constructions, presented analysis of building structural system types — panel, monolithic‑frame, and frameless — regarding their resilience to extreme impacts, including explosions and progressive collapse. He stressed that each type has its advantages and limitations, and decisions must be based on technical calculations rather than assumptions. Special attention was given to structural reinforcement and the effectiveness of typical designs in the reconstruction process.

Representatives of Finnish businesses reported on innovative technologies:

👤 Ivanna Rukin, CEO of Machinist

👤 Yurii Obukh, Business Director of Ruukki Ukraine

👤 Magnus Laas, CEO of  Trook

🔵In the third block of the forum, the topic “Digitalization, Logistics, and Engineering Solutions: Technologies of the Future for Reconstruction” was discussed. The focus of the discussion was on state support tools for business, adaptation of European construction legislation, digital platforms, and innovations shaping a new quality of infrastructure.

💰Henry Riihimäki, Senior Trade and Reconstruction Specialist Embassy of Finland in Ukraine, outlined the support instruments for Finnish companies operating in Ukraine. According to him, the Government of Finland has adapted its export mechanisms to facilitate Ukraine’s recovery. In particular, Finnvera provides financial guarantees to Finnish exporters. This reduces business risks and creates secure conditions for international cooperation. Available instruments include short- and long-term export guarantees, credit insurance, and support through the Finnpartnership program.

💻Natalia Diuzhylova, Deputy Head of the State Inspectorate of Architecture and Urban Planning of Ukraine, presented updates in Ukrainian regulation of construction product circulation, which is being harmonized with European requirements. Ukraine has already implemented the provisions of EU Regulation No. 305 and begun the implementation of the future Regulation No. 3110 norms. In particular, declarations of conformity for construction products must now be submitted through the electronic construction system. Such digitalization of procedures is an important step toward Eurointegration and paves the way for transparent interaction with international suppliers.

🔬Olena Bondar, Advisor to the Director of the «National Institute for Development Infrastructure», emphasized that effective implementation of innovations requires not only technical solutions but also scientific support and adaptation to Ukrainian realities. The focus is on BIM technologies, digital construction, material reuse, and environmental approaches.

Representatives of Finnish businesses also shared unique experiences and innovative solutions:

👤 Taina Haapamäki, CEO of Flou

👤 Mika Tunninen, Founder & CEO of Tunninen

👤 Dmytro Gerasymenko, Director of industrial equipment and service sales, Konecranes Ukraine

The forum demonstrated a high level of interest from international partners in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The practices presented confirmed that technologies, digitalization, and interstate cooperation are already shaping a new quality of recovery today. Despite challenges, Ukraine is confidently integrating modern solutions, adapting European standards, and developing institutions capable of ensuring the sustainable transformation of infrastructure.

We invite you to view the event photo report

Album 1:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1114090494070648&type=3 

Album 2:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1114120220734342&type=3 

WE WILL WIN AND REBUILD EVERYTHING! 💪

TOGETHER TO VICTORY! 

GLORY TO UKRAINE! 💙💛