Europe should step up its support for Ukraine. Its resources are limited. Fortunately, it can still seize unexplored opportunities, fix systemic flaws, and find ways around seemingly intractable obstacles.This is the time to increase the pressure on Russia, and to strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to secure a favourable peace agreement and manage the aftermath.
Explore the chapters
The contributions to this collection look beyond the immediate challenges of the war. They propose new ways in which the EU can empower Ukraine, explain why these ideas could have a transformative impact, and show how they could be translated into policy by building on existing initiatives.
They cover a range of subjects: from building societal resilience to deepening defence-industrial cooperation to strengthening the foundations of deterrence and defence against Russia; from reconstruction and recovery to Ukraine’s gradual integration into the EU; and from reinforcing international support networks for Ukraine to dismantling Russian influence networks across Africa.
Click on a chapter to dive into each priority in depth.
Better use of joint ventures can accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the EU defence industrial base
Ukraine’s defence industry needs access to capital, technology, production capacity and markets to remain competitive after the war. EU-based joint ventures could deepen industrial integration, strengthen Europe’s defence base and secure Ukraine’s long-term economic and security resilience.
Engaging Ukrainians in Europe for resilience and security
Millions of Ukrainians living across Europe have not only sought refuge from the war; they are also a strategic asset for Ukraine’s democratic future. Stronger support for diaspora engagement could reinforce democratic resilience, counter Russian interference and benefit both Ukraine and the EU.
How to anchor Ukraine in the EU before membership
Full EU membership will take time, but integration does not have to wait. Faster functional, political and societal integration could deliver clear benefits while advancing Ukraine’s path towards accession.
How to make the most of the reconstruction funding
Ukraine needs a smarter way to manage the flows of reconstruction funding. A single digital 'collector pipeline' could integrate donor finance, improve transparency, strengthen planning and ensure recovery resources reach the projects and regions that need them most.
Mobilising big business to rebuild Ukraine
Ukraine’s reconstruction will depend on attracting major private investors despite ongoing security risks. A new 'Big on Board' initiative could combine support for smarter domestic investment incentives with stronger EU de-risking measures to unlock large-scale private capital for recovery.
How to make Ukraine a pillar of European energy security
Ukraine’s wartime experience offers lessons that could reshape Europe’s energy future. Sustained investment, joint planning and deeper integration should serve to rebuild a cleaner, more resilient system that strengthens both Ukraine’s and Europe’s energy security.
Calibrating China’s role in Ukraine’s reconstruction
Ukraine may not be in a position to ignore Chinese capital, but it should avoid creating new strategic dependencies and vulnerabilities. Stronger screening and regulatory safeguards could allow engagement with China on reconstruction and recovery while protecting the critical infrastructure that will underpin Ukraine’s post-war economy.
How to facilitate reconstruction while deconflicting EU and US approaches
Competing national and institutional interests among key stakeholders in securing attractive reconstruction opportunities risk undermining Ukraine’s recovery. A G7-based Peace and Prosperity Compact could align the efforts of the EU, US and other partners, reduce collective action problems and create the conditions needed for sustained private investment, thus serving the interests of all
Countering Russian recruitment in Africa and beyond
Russia is using fraudulent job advertisements and bogus scholarship schemes to recruit vulnerable foreign nationals into its war effort. An EU-backed anti-scam network could expose recruitment schemes, protect victims and help Ukraine, African partners and civil society disrupt criminal networks while undermining Russia’s influence in the Plural South
How the EU can turn Trump’s pro-Ukraine moment into concrete action
Europe should consider the possibility that Washington’s renewed openness to Ukraine may be short-lived. A coordinated push could secure stronger US backing, increase pressure on Russia and expand defence production for Ukraine in Europe.