Czech companies have spent years discussing the opportunity created by Ukraine's eventual reconstruction. A new public guarantee programme is designed to make that opportunity financeable before risks have fully normalised.
The National Development Bank and Ministry of Industry and Trade have launched the Ukraine Restoration Guarantee, combining €100 million from the EU's Ukraine Facility with €25 million from the Czech government.
The programme is designed to absorb project risk, not provide grants
The NDB will issue guarantees to Ukrainian partner banks or the Czech Export Bank, which can then lend to Ukrainian entities. Standard coverage is 80% of outstanding loan principal and eligible interest, with supported loans ranging from €1 million to €39 million.
That structure matters because it uses public capital to reduce lender risk while still requiring projects to pass a commercial financing process. It is aimed at investment rather than simple procurement support.
Our view: this could become a practical route into reconstruction supply chains
Czech Business Review's view is that the programme is most relevant to companies with exportable industrial capabilities in energy, transport, water systems, machinery, healthcare and dual-use technology. Czech suppliers are geographically close and often operate in sectors where Ukraine needs large-scale rebuilding.
The programme opened for applications on 10 September and is designed to run for three years or until its allocation is used. The key metric will be the volume of private lending and Czech commercial participation it ultimately mobilises.
| Feature | Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| EU contribution | €100m | Provides main risk-sharing pool |
| Czech contribution | €25m | Adds national support |
| Coverage | 80% standard | Reduces lender downside |
| Loan size | €1m to €39m | Targets meaningful investment projects |
Frequently asked questions
How large is the Czech Ukraine reconstruction guarantee programme?
It combines €100 million of EU backing with €25 million from the Czech government.
How much of a loan can be guaranteed?
The standard guarantee covers 80% of outstanding principal and eligible interest.
Which sectors qualify?
Priority areas include energy, transport, food, critical raw materials, strategic industries, green transition, social infrastructure and dual-use goods.