Rebuilding Ukraine

The development of Ukraine into a democratic state governed by the rule of law will determine all of Europe’s—including Estonia’s—future security environment. Therefore, supporting the reconstruction of the Ukrainian state and society is an important development cooperation goal for Estonia. Estonia's support focuses on Zhytomyr Oblast in Northen Ukraine, but we can share our experience in other regions of Ukraine by collaborating on international initiatives.

Estonia will allocate 70 million euros to development cooperation and reconstruction in Ukraine between 2022 and 2027. 

Estonian Foreign Minister MargusTsahkna claimed that Estonia's and Europe's security is ensured by the continued support and reconstruction of Ukraine. Accoding to minister, Estonia has been a trailblazer and role model in reconstruction and support to Ukraine. "By directing our strength and resources to rebuilding Ukraine, we are helping the people of Ukraine to cope better with the harsh consequences of this war," Tsahkna said.

"When planning Estonia's development cooperation activities, we must understand Ukraine's real needs. We need to identify the most critical objects whose reconstruction will help Ukraine restore everyday life to its people. These decisions must be based on real needs, not political interests."

Margus Gering, head of Cooperation and Development for Ukraine

Operating principles for Ukraine

• We start by understanding Ukraine's needs and expectations and lead projects from there.
• We involve all stakeholders, including the public, private and third sectors.
• Our activities support the stabilisation and modernisation of Ukraine and its accession to the European Union.
• We define prerequisites for entrepreneurs to enter the Ukrainian market.
• We strengthen our initiatives by involving other donors, including other countries, development banks, international organisations and private foundations.

Focus areas

• Support for reforms: preparing Ukraine to join the EU by sharing Estonia's reform experience.
• Digital and cyber literacy development: creating an open and efficient digital society based on the Estonian experience.
• Infrastructure construction: sharing best practices that comply with EU standards and align with Estonian know-how.
• Education: sharing Estonia’s educational sector reform experience, introducing and implementing digital solutions and pedagogy.

Results

New kindergarten in Ovruch 

Estonia was one of the first countries to construct a kindergarten in Ukraine, using high-quality wooden modular buildings.  ESTDEV has also facilitated training for kindergarten teachers and administrators in Estonia, including an introduction to digital educational solutions for teaching and kindergarten management. The construction was supported by the Estonian government, Iceland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Flanders. Read more

The Malyn Bridge reconstruction 

The 152-meter Malyn Bridge, spanning the Irsha River, is one of Zhytomyr Region's main transport hubs, connecting the country's northern and southern roads. The overhaul of the Malyn Bridge was a 2.8 million-euro joint project between Estonia and Ukraine, of which Ukraine paid 1.8 million and Estonia 1 million euros. Read more

Family-style group homes for orphaned children 

The "Room for Childhood" initiative from the Ukrainian First Lady’s foundation, the Olena Zelenska Foundation, has provided the framework for building family-style group homes for foster families and children orphaned by the war. To date, Estonia has financed the construction of one family-style group home. In addition, ESTDEV has facilitated training in Estonia for foster parents on trauma-informed care. Read more

Four family-style homes for orphaned children built according to an Estonian detailed plan

 

In cooperation with the Estonian Association of Architects and the Ministry of Culture, ESTDEV organised an architectural competition, which was won by the architectural firm DAGOpen with its design HATA. The 212-square-metre house, based on an Estonian standard design, has seven bedrooms and four bathrooms, meeting the needs of family members with special requirements. The house also includes a bomb shelter. Read more.

Bomb shelter at the Zhytomyr children’s shelter

 

As a result of the project, a modern reinforced concrete bomb shelter construction project was developed, and an expert assessment of the project was commissioned. The interior architecture of the bomb shelter took into account the specific needs of a childcare facility, and the centre’s rooms were designed and built to be child-friendly, bright, and welcoming. Read more.

Provision of a modular camp for Ukrainian demining specialists

The demining camp consists of nine trailers equipped with a headquarters, sleeping quarters, washing facilities with toilets and showers, a kitchen, and storage and maintenance rooms for equipment. All trailers are equipped with air conditioning and heat pumps. In addition, the camp has internet access equipment and a dedicated generator trailer to ensure the camp’s operation in areas with limited electricity supply. Read more.

 

Reconstruction of Malyn's Hobby School

Estonia reconstructed a hobby school building in Ukraine, where in addition to the existing music, art and dance education, other extracurricular education will also be modernised with the support of ESTDEV. Various forms of therapy will also be introduced for children. The Ukrainian partners in the project are the Malyn City Council and the Zhytomyr Oblast Administration. Read more.

Human Rights Centre in Zhytomyr

 

ESTDEV renovated the premises of the Zhytomyr centre and organised a training programme for human rights centre staff from across Ukraine. This cooperation is part of the Ombudsperson’s national strategy to strengthen regional offices and transform them into modern human rights centres. The Zhytomyr Human Rights Centre was completed at the end of 2024. Read more.