faz.net
Ukraine-Germany Trade Flourishes Despite War: €11.6 Billion Exchange in 2024
Despite the ongoing war, trade between Germany and Ukraine reached €11.6 billion in 2024, an 18% increase year-on-year, with German exports at €8.5 billion and Ukrainian imports at a record €3.5 billion, highlighting Ukraine's economic resilience and attractiveness for German businesses.
- What is the overall impact of the sustained trade between Germany and Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict?
- The robust trade volume of €11.6 billion in 2024, exceeding the previous year by 18%, demonstrates Ukraine's economic resilience and its significance as a trading partner for Germany. German exports reached €8.5 billion while imports from Ukraine hit a record high of €3.5 billion, showcasing mutually beneficial economic ties.
- What are the long-term prospects and potential for future collaboration between German and Ukrainian businesses?
- Ukraine's EU candidacy status drives governmental reforms, creating a more favorable business environment. Combined with Germany's support for training Ukrainian professionals (64,000 trained since 2022) and fostering partnerships (530 between Ukrainian and EU firms), this creates significant long-term opportunities in sectors like IT, construction, and healthcare, fueled by reconstruction needs and Ukraine's economic growth potential.
- How does the German government support businesses engaging in trade and investment with Ukraine, and what are the associated risks?
- Germany actively mitigates risks through federal guarantees covering over €400 million in 2024 for deliveries and services to Ukraine. This support, along with export credit guarantees, aims to protect exporters from payment defaults. However, ongoing Russian attacks pose significant security risks, necessitating individual security plans for businesses.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a largely positive outlook on the economic opportunities in Ukraine despite the ongoing war. The focus is on the resilience of the Ukrainian economy and the potential benefits for German businesses. While the challenges are acknowledged (war, risks), the overall framing emphasizes the opportunities and encourages German investment. The headline (not provided) likely plays a significant role in this framing. The introduction highlights the positive trade figures and the potential for growth, setting a positive tone for the rest of the article.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and encouraging, promoting investment in Ukraine. Words and phrases like "resilient," "attractive," "potential," and "opportunities" are used frequently. While acknowledging the war, the article often presents it as a backdrop to the economic opportunities rather than the central focus. This positive framing, while not necessarily inaccurate, could be considered biased by emphasizing the positive aspects while potentially underplaying the ongoing human suffering and significant challenges.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the economic aspects of the war and largely omits the human cost. While acknowledging the need for rebuilding and the plight of refugees, it doesn't dwell on the devastating impact of the conflict on Ukrainian civilians. The number of casualties, the destruction of infrastructure beyond roads, and the widespread suffering are largely absent from the narrative. This omission creates an incomplete picture, potentially leading readers to underestimate the severity of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the situation, implying a straightforward choice between embracing the economic opportunities and ignoring the war. The complexities of the situation—the ethical considerations of profiting from a conflict zone, the risks to businesses, and the need for responsible investment—are not fully explored. The narrative suggests that economic engagement is not only possible but desirable, almost implying a moral imperative to invest in Ukraine's reconstruction, without fully grappling with the inherent ethical dilemmas.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the resilience of the Ukrainian economy despite the ongoing war, with increased trade volume between Germany and Ukraine. This demonstrates continued economic activity and job creation, contributing positively to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The focus on rebuilding efforts, attracting investments, and supporting Ukrainian businesses further strengthens this connection. The training programs for Ukrainian professionals in sectors like construction, energy, and healthcare directly contribute to improved employment and skills development. The support for Ukrainian IT companies and the facilitation of partnerships between Ukrainian and EU firms also contribute to economic growth and job creation.