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<\/p>\nThe European Business Association pays considerable attention to the development of regional business and entrepreneurial activity across various parts of the country. Despite the fact that each Ukrainian region is currently facing unique challenges, businesses continue to demonstrate remarkable adaptability, maintaining operations and pursuing growth.<\/p>\n
To assess the current business environment, the impact of the war on entrepreneurs, and to identify company needs and challenges, the EBA has been conducting its annual regional business survey for the sixth consecutive year. The research covers four regions where the EBA has offices – Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Dnipro.<\/p>\n
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Compared with the previous year, the situation across all regions has improved slightly. The overall business climate index reached 2.64 points <\/strong>in Lviv<\/strong> (2.62 in 2024), 2.44<\/strong> in Dnipro<\/strong> (2.20), 2.39<\/strong> in Odesa<\/strong> (2.15), and 1.92<\/strong> in Kharkiv<\/strong> (1.45). Overall, companies mostly assess business conditions as challenging, with only in the west most firms describing them as satisfactory.<\/p>\n The most common challenges across regions include a shortage of personnel, primarily due to the mobilisation and migration of specialists abroad, which creates a strong demand for a clear and efficient conscription exemption procedure. In addition, according to entrepreneurs in the regions, the business environment could be improved through the introduction of war risk insurance, the preservation and restoration of infrastructure, a reduction in the payroll tax burden, and other supportive measures.<\/p>\n Let us take a closer look at the situation in each region.<\/p>\n For several years in a row, entrepreneurs in western Ukraine have provided the highest assessments of the business climate. Currently, three-quarters of respondents (74%) in the Western Ukrainian office are operating at full capacity, while 26% are working with certain restrictions.<\/p>\n Compared with the previous year, the share of those who consider business conditions in the region satisfactory has grown from 53% to 65%. At the same time, the number of those who find it difficult to operate has decreased \u2014 31% reported difficulties, while only 4% said it was easy to do business.<\/p>\n The main challenges identified by companies in the Western Ukrainian office include issues related to human capital \u2014 the shortage of staff caused by mobilisation and migration abroad, difficulties with reserving employees, and the fast pace of legislative changes.<\/p>\n Among the positive factors, respondents noted the relative safety of the region, its distance from active hostilities, the relocation of enterprises and people from other regions, and the presence of dialogue with local authorities.<\/p>\n According to survey participants, the business environment could be improved primarily through an effective and transparent conscription exemption procedure, a reduction in the payroll tax burden, and less pressure from regulatory authorities.<\/p>\n Full report<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The situation in the Dnipropetrovsk region has somewhat improved compared with last year. Currently, 56% of entrepreneurs describe business conditions as difficult, while 44% consider them satisfactory.<\/p>\n Despite this, the share of companies operating at full capacity has risen significantly – from 20% in 2024 to 56% in 2025. Consequently, 44% of companies continue to operate with certain restrictions (down from 80% last year).<\/p>\n The main negative factor affecting business activity is the shortage of personnel caused by mobilisation and emigration (89%), followed by difficulties with staff reservation (50%). In addition to the labour crisis, businesses also point to a decline in consumer purchasing power, fiscal pressure, and logistical difficulties.<\/p>\n Among the positive influences, respondents mentioned the \u201cAffordable Loans 5-7-9%\u201d programme, the region\u2019s strong industrial potential, and active dialogue with the authorities to address urgent issues.<\/p>\n According to respondents, the key steps to improve business conditions include introducing war risk insurance and reducing pressure from supervisory bodies. The preservation and restoration of infrastructure, as well as a reduction in the payroll tax burden, are also among business priorities.<\/p>\n Full report<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n In the Odesa region, the number of entrepreneurs who consider business conditions difficult has decreased from 75% in 2024 to 61% today, while 39% now describe them as satisfactory.<\/p>\n Currently, 44% of companies are operating at full capacity, while 56% face certain restrictions. The most frequently mentioned challenge is the shortage of personnel caused by mobilisation and migration.<\/p>\n Other significant obstacles include logistical difficulties, declining purchasing power, problems with staff reservation, corruption, and loss of assets due to the war. As for positive factors, companies noted the operation of ports, business flexibility, and the readiness of entrepreneurs to adapt.<\/p>\n At the same time, businesses are calling for the restoration and preservation of infrastructure (67%), concessional lending (56%), greater access to grant programmes (50%), and an effective, transparent conscription exemption procedure (44%).<\/p>\nLviv<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Dnipro<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Odesa<\/strong><\/h4>\n