The first of eight apartment buildings for IDPs, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented under Nefco’s management, has been completed in Lviv. This project represents a crucial step in establishing modern infrastructure for the rehabilitation and temporary accommodation of people affected by the war. The first residents are expected to move in by the course 2025. The building will provide temporary housing for over 700 individuals in need of shelter and rehabilitation.

Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová emphasises the EU’s role in supporting internally displaced persons by contributing to housing projects. “The opening of this house is not just a construction milestone but an important step toward improving living conditions for those affected by the war. I am pleased to welcome Oleksii, Serhii, Ivan, Viktor, 'Hor,' and their families to their new home, where they can undergo rehabilitation and return to their own homes without having to travel long distances. This is more than just housing—it is a space adapted to their needs, ensuring safety, comfort, and dignity. It also stands as a symbol of the EU's solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to supporting those who need it most.”

Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi added: “We are not just constructing buildings – we are rebuilding lives. Lviv is proud that this project has become a symbol of European solidarity and support for Ukraine. “

The project was launched in June 2023 with a EUR 19.5 million grant from the EU. Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Lviv’s First Deputy Mayor Andriy Moskalenko stated: “We have completed a critical phase of the project. These buildings are not just places to live but part of the UNBROKEN ecosystem – a space where people can recover and adapt to a new life.”

The 'Housing for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Recovery of Liberated Cities in Ukraine' project in Lviv, envisions the construction of eight modern apartment buildings for 700 people. Each building includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, allowing residents to live together with their families. Architect Volodymyr Yosypchuk added: “The site includes spaces for psychological support and rehabilitation, as well as an underground parking area that can serve as a shelter during air raids. This is an example of next-generation infrastructure.“

Yuriy Telipskyi, Director of the Lviv Intermunicipal Bureau of Technical Inventory, emphasised: “Here in Lviv, we have created the first fully inclusive building in Ukraine. The apartments are equipped with emergency medical call buttons, ensuring maximum comfort for people with limited mobility.”

Project Highlights:

• Inclusivity:

All buildings, apartments and landscapes are designed for people with limited mobility. The apartments are equipped with emergency medical call buttons.

• Energy Efficiency:

The use of heat pumps, solar panels, and diesel generators ensures uninterrupted power supply. A new construction technology has been used to enhance the buildings’ energy efficiency.

• Social Infrastructure:

Spaces for rehabilitation and psychological adaptation are included.

Future Plans:

• Completion of all eight buildings by 2026.
• Development of infrastructure for the long-term social integration of IDPs.
• Implementation of eco-friendly technologies, including solar panels and heat pumps.

The construction of social housing in Lviv demonstrates how joint efforts and international cooperation can transform lives. This project not only meets urgent housing needs but also sets a new standard for social infrastructure in Ukraine.

Contact Information:

Nicole Shpyrko, Communications Manager

[email protected], +380 93 41 22 978

About NEFCO
Nefco, the Nordic Green Bank, is an international financial institution (IFI) established in 1990. Nefco’s  mission is to accelerate the green transition through concrete actions, serving the interests of our owners: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Nefco manages several trust funds on behalf of various donors to support environmental and climate projects. Focusing on small and medium-sized projects with tangible results, Nefco demonstrates how climate and environmental initiatives can be implemented and scaled in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. Nefco assess projects based on strict environmental criteria, EU taxonomy, and their impact on the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Over the years, Nefco has implemented more than 1,700 private and public sector projects worldwide. Nefco’s headquarters are in Helsinki, Finland. Learn more at www.nefco.int.