Science for reconstruction: Germany's help for Ukraine!

Science for reconstruction: Germany's help for Ukraine!

On March 11, 2025, a significant panel discussion that highlighted the potential of science in the reconstruction of Ukraine took place in Berlin's Café Kyiv. This event was organized by the Viadrina Center of Polish and Ukrainian Studies (VCPU) and the Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies Competence Association (KIU). Experts from politics, science and culture came together to discuss the urgent challenges and the possibilities for support. Café Kyiv has established itself as Europe's largest network meeting of the Ukrainian community, offering a space for exchange between actors.

The discussion included a panel discussion entitled “From Disinterest to Strategic Partnership?” The changing relationship between Germany and Ukraine was discussed. Lyudmyla Melnyk pointed out that the war in eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea in 2014 gave a new impetus to German-Ukrainian relations. This can also be seen in the context of political events, such as the scandal during Volodymyr Selenskyj's visit to the White House, which KIU coordinator Susann Worschech saw as a turning point.

The role of science in reconstruction

The challenges faced by Ukrainian scientists during the war were the focus of a roundtable discussion that harshly criticized the need to take the professions of Ukrainian scientists seriously. Philipp Schmädeke advocated “brain circulation” to promote the continuous exchange of knowledge. According to KIU coordinator Vorschech, science plays a fundamental role in the reconstruction of Ukraine. It also calls for needs-based adjustment of funding programs to meet the needs of scientists.

Germany is committed to providing Ukraine with significant support in the areas of science and research. This was recently sealed by an agreement between the German Federal Minister for Education and Research, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, and her Ukrainian colleague Oksen Lisovyi in Kiev. Stark-Watzinger emphasized the need for outstanding scientists and educational perspectives for the reconstruction of Ukraine. From July 2025, Germany will therefore support the development of a German-Ukrainian university network with 24 million euros until 2029.

Financial support and international cooperation

The importance of international support is obvious in the current situation. The Kyiv School of Economics estimates that the cost of destruction in Ukraine is $150 billion, while the World Bank projects the total cost of reconstruction at $411 billion over ten years. The international community has already pledged $60 billion, mostly from the EU, while the European Parliament approved 50 billion euros in reconstruction aid. The USA has also announced new development aid worth $1.3 billion.

The German federal government has a great interest in stimulating the Ukrainian economy through investments. Trade relations between Germany and Ukraine are growing, with an increase of 30% in 2023. However, there are also risks due to destruction and corruption that can potentially jeopardize investments.

The path to reconstruction requires cooperation and support not only from the state, but also from society. Discussions like the one at Café Kyiv are central to raising awareness about Ukraine and deepening cooperation between countries. The events clearly show that science is a key to reconstruction and that sustainable exchange between nations is necessary.