Flemish government launches ‘Eastern Strategy’ for Ukraine reconstruction
The government of Flanders has approved a new “Eastern Strategy” aimed at guiding Flemish businesses towards opportunities in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The decision was taken on Monday, ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Since the start of the war, Flanders has allocated nearly 7.5 million euros in support to Ukraine. At least a further 1.1 million will be added this year. Most of the funding to date has gone towards rapid emergency assistance, such as the provision of emergency generators.
With the new strategy, the government now wants to shift its focus towards long-term reconstruction and economic engagement. Business agency Flanders Investment & Trade, contact point VLAIO and the Flemish investment company Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen will join forces to support companies.
"If we want to support the Ukrainian people, we must prepare for reconstruction"
Under the banner “Team Flanders for Ukraine”, the three agencies will help Flemish businesses find local partners and assist them in applying for European funding linked to reconstruction projects.
According to minister president Matthias Diependaele of N-VA, the strategy is also about ensuring Flemish companies are not left behind.
"We see that cautious attempts are now being made to reach a peace agreement. If we want to support the Ukrainian people, we must prepare for reconstruction. (...) If Flanders does not commit to this today, others will take its place," he says.
Diependaele is due to speak with the Ukrainian ambassador to Belgium to provide further explanation of the initiative.
Broader Eastern focus
In addition to economic engagement, Flanders intends to join the international mine clearance coalition for Ukraine, through which countries pool resources and expertise to clear mines on Ukrainian territory more efficiently.
The Eastern Strategy extends beyond Ukraine. The Flemish government aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties across Eastern Europe, a region it expects to see steady economic growth in the coming years.
Flanders sees export potential in that growth, Diependaele explains. "We must dare to seek out opportunities in Flanders," he says.
The government is also examining where its diplomatic presence in the region could be reinforced. The Polish capital, Warsaw, is described as an “important hub”.
#FlandersNewsService | Men stand among the rubble at a car dealership damaged by a Russian drone attack, Odesa, Ukraine, 13 February 2026 © PHOTO NINA LIASHONOK / AVALON
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