Espoo, Helsinki and Vantaa supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction – cities and companies met in Otaniemi
On Tuesday, 16 December, 2025, the cities of Espoo, Helsinki and Vantaa brought Finnish companies and Ukrainian partner cities together at the same table in Otaniemi. The event aimed to identify concrete ways in which Finnish expertise can support Ukraine’s reconstruction while creating conditions for sustainable business.
The event was organized by Business Finland in cooperation with the cities of Espoo, Helsinki and Vantaa. At the heart of the day was direct dialogue about the current needs of Ukrainian cities and how Finnish companies can respond with practical solutions.
Espoo’s partner city Kryvyi Rih, Helsinki’s partner city Dnipro and Vantaa’s partner city Boryspil participated in the event. Representatives of the cities openly described the current challenges of reconstruction and the most urgent development needs.
Concrete needs and new opportunities for companies
The speeches from Ukrainian cities emphasized the restoration of critical infrastructure, energy solutions and digital services that can strengthen cities’ resilience in exceptional circumstances. These are areas where Espoo-based and Finnish companies have strong expertise and international experience.
The event also featured presentations from Business Finland experts on the funding and networking opportunities available to companies that want to participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction projects.
“Rebuilding Ukraine is a significant and long-term task that requires broad expertise. Companies in Espoo have innovations and solutions that can truly benefit our partner city Kryvyi Rih and all of Ukraine. Today’s event provides a platform for dialogue, new ideas and hope,” says Teemu Haapalehto, Director of Economic Development for the City of Espoo.
Lively discussions and direct encounters
The event, held at A Grid in Otaniemi, attracted numerous participants from cities, companies and stakeholders. Discussions were particularly lively during networking sessions, where company representatives had the chance to present their solutions directly to Ukrainian city representatives.
The afternoon culminated in face-to-face discussions about possible next steps and new cooperation initiatives. The event demonstrated a strong willingness to support Ukraine – and that Finnish companies and cities have concrete means to contribute to the country’s reconstruction.
The event was part of a longer-term collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable reconstruction in Ukraine while creating new international opportunities for Finnish companies.
Lisätietoja:
Petri Lautjärvi, Senior Planning Officer, City of Espoo
Tel. +358 40 6369934
petri.lautjarvi@espoo.fi