Switzerland and Ukraine begin implementing the Competitiveness for Recovery Ukraine Program to support Ukraine’s economic transformation

22. July 2026

The Competitiveness for Recovery Program initiative aims to strengthen Ukraine’s economic resilience and accelerating its transition toward a modern, competitive and productive economy. 

The Program will support Ukraine’s recovery efforts during 2026-2031 with a budget of CHF 30 million. Funded by Switzerland through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Program will be implemented by the Helvetas – Niras consortium. The International Labor Organisation (ILO) will implement the project’s labour component.   

The Program is based on a central premise: Ukraine’s recovery will depend on whether the country succeeds in developing a competitive private sector, unlocking the potential of regional economies and strategic sectors, rebuilding human capital at scale while promoting decent work practices.  

In line with Switzerland’s cooperation priorities in Ukraine, the Competitiveness for Recovery Ukraine Program promotes a private sector-led recovery model that connects economic governance, regional and sectoral development, enterprise competitiveness and labour market transformation into a single recovery framework. 

The Program will operate across four interconnected levels: 

  • Macro level (Component I): strengthening the policy and regulatory environment for competitiveness and private sector development. Rather than creating parallel systems or new reform agendas, the Program will support public agencies in implementing national strategies.  

  • Meso level (Component II): supporting sectoral competitiveness and innovation-driven value chains through cluster-based cooperation between business associations, government and Regional Development Agencies around strategic sectors and regional smart specialisations.  

  • Micro level (Component III): strengthening SME competitiveness through co-financing for modernisation, digital transformation, green transition, export development and integration into European markets.  

  • Cross-cutting labour market component (Component IV, implemented by the International Labour Organization): using the Productivity for Decent Work approach, it will support SME competitiveness in line with decent work practices, create strong systemic synergies with other Program components, and mainstream these approaches across the labour ecosystem, contributing to the inclusion of veterans, women, youth, and internally displaced persons in Ukraine’s long-term economic recovery. 

Switzerland’s support for Ukraine goes beyond financial contributions. It is grounded in long-term institutional partnerships, support for systemic reforms and a shared commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s resilience, economic recovery and integration into the international markets.