EU-Backed Renovation Reopens War-Damaged School in Kyiv Oblast for New Academic Year

EU and EIB support helps restore Lukashi Lyceum in Kyiv oblast, bringing 119 students back to a modern, accessible and energy-efficient school for the new academic year

Location: Lukashi village, Kyiv oblast. A war-damaged school reopens for the new academic year after a major EU-backed renovation supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

(IN BRIEF) A war-damaged school in Lukashi village, Kyiv oblast, has reopened for the new academic year after a major EU-backed renovation supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The Lukashi Lyceum, the only school in the community, was damaged by a Russian attack in March 2022 and has now been rebuilt into a modern, accessible and energy-efficient educational facility with structural repairs, a new roof, insulated facades, upgraded utilities, improved accessibility, fire and security systems, and a protective shelter. The lyceum will serve 119 students, including children with special educational needs and children from internally displaced families, as well as 25 staff members. The €1.07 million reconstruction was financed with €690,000 from the EIB and €385,000 from the local budget under the EIB’s €340 million Ukraine Recovery Programme, part of joint EU–EIB recovery efforts implemented with Ukrainian ministries, local authorities and technical support from UNDP.

(PRESS RELEASE) KYIV, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, 1-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — A school in Lukashi village, Kyiv oblast, has reopened for the new academic year after being damaged by a Russian attack in March 2022.

The Lukashi Lyceum, the only school in the community, has been rebuilt through support from the European Investment Bank, or EIB, enabling children to return to their local classrooms for the first time since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The renovated lyceum will welcome 119 students, including children with special educational needs and children from internally displaced families.

It will also provide working space for 25 staff members.

The reconstruction has transformed the damaged building into a modern, accessible and energy-efficient educational facility.

Works included structural repairs, installation of a new roof, insulated facades, energy-efficient windows and doors, and upgrades to heating, ventilation, water, sewage, electrical and lighting systems.

The school now also includes a protective shelter, improved accessibility for people with disabilities, and upgraded fire and security systems.

EIB financing supports community recovery

The reconstruction cost €1.07 million.

The project was financed with €690,000 from the EIB and €385,000 from the local budget.

EIB financing was provided under the €340 million Ukraine Recovery Programme, which supports the restoration of essential social infrastructure in communities across Ukraine.

The Ukraine Recovery Programme is one of three joint EU–EIB recovery initiatives implemented together with the Ministry for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine, the Ministry of Finance, and local authorities, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme, or UNDP.

Karl Nehammer, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, said every Ukrainian child deserves a safe place to learn and the opportunity to build a future with hope and confidence despite the war.

He said the restoration of the Lukashi Lyceum allows children to continue their education within their own community and helps reduce educational disruption caused by the war.

Nehammer added that rebuilding and modernising the school helps prevent learning losses and supports children in gaining the skills and knowledge they need.

Joost Mohlmann, Head of Section for Reconstruction, Energy, Infrastructure and Environment at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said Russia’s war against Ukraine is destroying not only school buildings but also the education and future Ukrainian children deserve.

He said the European Union hopes every Ukrainian child can continue learning in safe and decent conditions as the new academic year begins.

Mohlmann added that by supporting the restoration of schools such as the one in Lukashi, the EU is helping communities provide children with education today and opportunities for tomorrow.

Restoring essential infrastructure in Ukrainian communities

Mykola Kalashnyk, Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine, said rebuilding educational facilities is an investment in the country’s future and in restoring sustainable and stable life in communities.

He said Ukraine and its European partners are systematically restoring and developing modern infrastructure so that every student can learn in a safe and comfortable environment.

Olga Zykova, Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine, said every rebuilt school is more than a completed project.

She said it represents an investment in children, families and the future of Ukraine.

Zykova thanked European partners and UNDP for supporting Ukrainian communities and helping turn recovery into tangible and lasting change for people.

In Kyiv oblast, the EIB is supporting the restoration of 72 facilities under its three recovery programmes.

These include schools, preschools, healthcare facilities and municipal infrastructure.

Recently completed projects include the renovation of a primary school in Hostomel, the restoration of Hatne secondary school, and improvements to the water supply system in war-affected Bucha.

Tymur Tkachenko, Head of the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, said restoring facilities that affect people’s everyday lives is a key priority.

He said residents of the Kyiv region, including people displaced by the war who have recently found a home there, should feel the impact of European support in their daily lives.

Tkachenko thanked the European Union and the EIB for helping restore essential facilities and create better conditions for children and families across the region.

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, said the restoration of the Lukashi Lyceum is helping the community overcome the impact of war while creating a safer, more inclusive and more resilient space for children.

He said UNDP is proud to support recovery that reaches communities where it matters most, together with the EIB and local authorities.

The EIB in Ukraine

Present in Ukraine since 2007, the EIB has stepped up its financial support for the country’s resilience and modernisation since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, the EIB has provided €4.5 billion in financing. Through its EU for Ukraine (EU4U) Initiative, coupled with its key role in implementing a dedicated window under the Ukraine Facility, the EIB is strongly committed to stepping up and accelerating its activities in line with the mandate given by EU leaders and in close cooperation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, Member States and international partners.

EIB recovery programmes in Ukraine

The reconstruction of the Lyceum in Lukashi village, Kyiv oblast, was implemented as part of the Ukraine Recovery Programme, one of three recovery initiatives supported by the EIB. As of August 2026, the EIB has provided €740 million through these programmes to support Ukraine’s recovery. The funding helps the government to restore essential services in communities across the country – including schools, kindergartens, hospitals, housing, heating and water systems. These EIB-backed programmes are further supported by €15 million in EU grants to facilitate implementation. The Ministry for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, coordinates and oversees programme implementation, while local authorities and self-government entities are responsible for managing recovery sub-projects. The UNDP in Ukraine provides technical assistance to local communities, supporting project implementation and ensuring independent monitoring for transparency and accountability. More information about the programmes is available here.

SOURCE: European Investment Bank