As Ukraine rebuilds critical energy infrastructure damaged by ongoing attacks, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are working together to ensure that recovery efforts are not only fast and effective, but also transparent, accountable, and aligned with EU best practices.

As part of this cooperation, a seminar titled “Substations Reliability Enhancement Programme: Preventing Corruption Risks and Ensuring Transparency” was held in Kyiv. It brought together key stakeholders — representatives of NPC “Ukrenergo,” the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, the High Anti-Corruption Court, academia, forensic experts, as well as experts of the EIB and the UNDP technical assistance team.

The seminar participants received up-to-date analytical insights and practical tools to strengthen transparency and integrity in infrastructure projects. The seminar covered corruption risk assessment methodologies, the EIB’s approach to anti-corruption compliance, and broader standards of transparency and accountability in EU-financed operations. Special attention was given to legal liability for corruption-related offences, the relevant judicial practice in Ukraine, and the technical and legal aspects of forensic construction and expert evaluations.

The event was part of the technical assistance for the Substations Reliability Enhancement Programme, a €136 million EIB-financed operation aimed at refurbishing and protecting Ukraine’s electrical substations. This technical assistance is funded by the EIB through the EU4U Advisory Programme, and implemented in cooperation with UNDP, NPC “Ukrenergo” and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.

Background:

Implemented under the constant threat of missile and drone attacks, the Substation Reliability Enhancement Programme relies on the courage and resilience of Ukrenergo staff, substation personnel, contractors, and frontline workers, who continue their duties each day despite the risks. To help ensure this vital work is carried out to the highest standards, technical assistance is provided by UNDP and funded by the EIB. The assistance offers expert support in public procurement, financial management, engineering practices, and governance safeguards, which strengthens the Programme’s overall transparency, quality, and accountability.