On March 10, 2025, the “On the Road to URC 2025” conference was held in Milan, marking a key milestone in the preparation for the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2025, scheduled for July 2025 in Rome. The event was organized in collaboration with Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, ICE Agenzia, the Regional Administration of Lombardy, and Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy. Approximately 350 distinguished representatives from Italian, Ukrainian, and international companies, government institutions, financial organizations, and business associations attended the conference. This platform encouraged open discussions about the roadmap for Ukraine’s economic recovery.
ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih’s Commitment to Ukraine’s Reconstruction
One of the prominent speakers at the conference, Mauro Longobardo, representing ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, shared the company’s strategic vision for Ukraine’s post-war recovery. ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, one of Ukraine’s largest steel producers, is already significantly involved in Ukraine’s industrial and infrastructure recovery. Longobardo addressed the momentous opportunity the country faces as it strives to rebuild its industrial base while aligning with the EU’s environmental and industrial standards.
Longobardo underlined that Ukraine's recovery is intrinsically tied to the country’s successful EU integration efforts. He noted that Ukraine has an extraordinary chance to learn from the best global practices in industries such as mining and metallurgy, particularly from European nations that have confronted similar challenges. This learning process is expected to lead to the creation of an investment-friendly environment that will encourage the entry of foreign capital into Ukraine’s economy.
Overcoming Operational Challenges
Longobardo also discussed the ongoing challenges faced by ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, especially in terms of operational continuity during the ongoing conflict. The steel plant has had to operate under frequent blackouts, the risk of air raids, and personnel shortages, which have made its operations more challenging. Despite these difficulties, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, focusing on increasing production capacity and improving its technological capabilities to meet market demands.
Longobardo highlighted the role of Italian partners in these efforts, noting that Italian technology providers such as DANIELI, Ekoplant S.r.l., ATOMAT S.p.A., CEBA S.r.I., Schnell S.p.A., TRE ALTAMIRA S.r.l., and OLTEK S.r.l. have been instrumental in supporting the steelmaker through technological innovation and essential equipment. These collaborations help ensure the plant’s operations remain efficient, even amid the difficulties posed by the conflict.
Future of Ukraine’s Mining and Metallurgy Sectors
Longobardo also used his address to call on Italian and European companies to explore deeper cooperation with ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, particularly through the establishment of joint ventures focused on developing the Kryvyi Rih mining sector. Kryvyi Rih, home to ArcelorMittal’s largest mining operations, holds enormous potential in natural resources and expertise, with access to vital permits, advanced equipment, and technologies that can help propel the mining industry forward.
The Kryvyi Rih region, known for its vast mineral deposits, offers great potential for investment and collaboration in the metallurgical sector. Longobardo stressed that ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih’s mining operations are well-positioned to provide the resources, technological capabilities, and permits needed for successful ventures in this sector. As the company continues to rebuild, it aims to create a robust ecosystem that combines the country’s natural resources with cutting-edge technologies and international expertise.
Strengthening Ukraine’s Position in the Global Market
Longobardo also noted that as Ukraine recovers, the country's mining and metallurgy sectors will play a pivotal role in its economic revival. Ukraine’s extensive mineral resources, along with the technological advancements facilitated by international collaborations, will be central to the country’s efforts to increase production levels and meet the growing demand for industrial materials in the global market.
ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is actively working to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Ukraine’s steel and mining industries. The company believes that the EU integration process will offer significant opportunities to enhance Ukraine’s infrastructure while building a positive investment environment that benefits local producers and attracts international capital.
The Path Forward: URC 2025 and Beyond
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2025, scheduled for July 2025 in Rome, is expected to be a landmark event for Ukraine’s future. The conference will bring together key international stakeholders, including businesses, financial institutions, and government representatives, to discuss and formalize the next steps for Ukraine’s recovery and integration into the global economy.
The “On the Road to URC 2025” conference in Milan set the stage for further collaboration between Ukraine, Italy, and other international partners, aiming to restore and modernize Ukraine’s industrial base and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
• ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is committed to supporting Ukraine’s post-war recovery, particularly in mining and metallurgy.
• ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih has continued operations despite challenges such as blackouts, air raids, and personnel shortages.
• EU integration and structural reforms are crucial to Ukraine’s recovery and economic growth.
• Longobardo called for increased cooperation with Italian and European companies to foster joint ventures in Ukraine’s mining sector.
• ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih plays a key role in the development of Ukraine’s natural resources and has the technological capabilities to support the country's industrial recovery.
• Italian technology providers such as DANIELI and ATOMAT S.p.A. support ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih in overcoming operational challenges and advancing technology.
• The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2025 in Rome will serve as a pivotal event to shape Ukraine’s economic future and EU integration.
• The focus will be on creating a positive investment environment and advancing Ukraine's industrial and mining sectors to meet international demand.
