Improved oppor­tunities for Swed­ish busi­nesses to support Ukraine

The Swedish Government has expanded the framework for special export credit guarantees to facilitate business with Ukraine. The aim is to enable more companies to export to Ukraine, thereby supporting the country’s sustainable reconstruction.

EKN has already raised the guarantee coverage for exports to Ukraine from 80 to 95 percent. As of 1 June 2025, the maximum maturity for guarantees will be extended to 2035. In total, guarantees can be issued up to a ceiling of SEK 888 million, covering both goods and services. The limit for businesses within the same corporate group has been raised from SEK 100 million to SEK 300 million.

“Swedish companies are both willing and able to play a greater role in Ukraine’s reconstruction, but they need support that mitigates the risks involved,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa. “The aim of amending the conditions is to make it easier and safer for Swedish companies to export to Ukraine. This is a key step in Sweden’s contribution to the country’s reconstruction.”

Open for business

Observers in Kyiv report that Swedish businesses enjoy a favourable starting position. “My impression is that Ukrainian businesses and government authorities are very receptive to doing business with Sweden. Our strong national brand eases the process of making initial contact and gives us a favourable starting position in meetings and negotiations with Ukrainian counterparts,” says Andreas Giallourakis, Sweden’s Trade Commissioner to Ukraine, in a comment to the Swedish Institute.

He adds, “While business decisions are ultimately driven by economic considerations, our brand clearly provides an advantage in securing a seat at the negotiating table and presenting what Swedish companies have to offer.”

At EKN, Senior Country Analyst Johan Dahl agrees that Swedish businesses have much to offer the war-torn country. “At EKN we want to help more Swedish companies get involved in and support Ukraine. Private enterprise is vital to the country’s reconstruction, rebuilding and future EU."

To qualify for a guarantee under the expanded framework, a transaction must contribute to Ukraine’s economic and societal development as well as general welfare, since the expanded guarantee framework is funded through Sweden’s development aid budget. “Therefore, the exporter has to briefly describe how the transaction aligns with the objectives of Sweden’s strategy for Ukraine,” says Dahl.

The aim of this strategy is to support reconstruction and reform in Ukraine in a way that meets the country’s own needs and priorities.