Norway steps up efforts for Ukraine’s reconstruction
Press release | Date: 15/04/2025 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Norway is contributing NOK 35 million to an international fund aimed at supporting Ukraine and facilitating reconstruction.
‘This is a highly flexible fund, allowing Ukrainians to respond quickly to emerging needs. This could include setting up shelters in hospitals and schools, ensuring emergency aid reaches those in need, or providing legal assistance to people who have fled their homes. The funds are particularly targeted at areas hardest hit by the conflict and help lay the foundation for sustainable and inclusive reconstruction‘, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
The Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) is an international fund established to support Ukraine’s recovery and strengthen the country’s resilience in the wake of Russia’s invasion. The fund is a joint initiative between several international partners, aimed at coordinating and financing projects that promote stability, economic development, and institution building in Ukraine.
‘Norway’s support to this international fund is yet another contribution to our longstanding commitment to Ukraine. Through this funding, we want to support a robust and inclusive reconstruction that lays the groundwork for a stable Ukraine once the war is over‘, Eide says.
Through its support, Norway will contribute to the efforts of local authorities in Ukraine to provide healthcare, education for children, local infrastructure, and social and cultural activities in cooperation with local organizations. The support is also intended to strengthen the decentralization process and local democracy – as well as reinforce the role of central authorities in national processes.
A central component of PFRU’s work is the fund's Rapid Response Mechanism, aimed at ensuring the swift delivery of critical resources to vulnerable communities along the frontlines and border areas, in the aftermath of Russian attacks. The mechanism prioritizes targeted support to areas within 30 kilometers of active combat zones, including the provision of essential equipment, and the strengthening of local emergency preparedness. In addition, it will enable rapid response across Ukraine through the distribution of equipment from strategically pre-positioned warehouses.
The fund is designed to respond swiftly to local challenges that may change on short notice, and serve as an important supplement to broader, long-term efforts led by central authorities through multilateral and large international organizations. One example of projects supported by the fund is the inclusion of local communities in decision-making processes on how reconstruction should take place.
The fund also supports more short-term initiatives, such as the purchase of fuel to provide electricity and heating for essential services and activities. The inclusion of vulnerable groups is a key priority.
‘Additionally, the fund supports efforts to counter disinformation, which is vital for building local trust as part of promoting democratic values‘, Eide adds.
In addition to Norway, eight other donor countries support the fund: the United Kingdom, Canada, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States. The UK established the fund and manages it on behalf of the other donors. With this latest contribution of NOK 35 million, Norway has now contributed a total of NOK 70 million through the PFRU.