The Security Environment for Businesses in Odesa Region During the War: Challenges, Needs, Solutions

26/ 09/ 2025

On September 24, 2025, a roundtable discussion on “The Security Environment for Businesses in Odesa Region During the War: Challenges, Needs, Solutions” was held in Odesa. The event was organized by the Southern Ukrainian Office of the European Business Association (EBA Odesa) and the Union of Employers’ Organizations of Odesa Region, with the participation of the Odesa Regional Development Agency and the Odesa Business Club. The purpose of the event was to discuss current security issues for businesses under martial law, identify the most urgent needs of enterprises, and explore joint approaches to cooperation between the business community, the military, and state authorities. The roundtable was opened by Kateryna Morozova, Head of the Southern Ukrainian Office of the EBA. She emphasized that Odesa remains a key economic hub of Ukraine, it is also one of the most vulnerable regions. Such meetings, she noted, provide an opportunity to openly discuss business risks and needs, share experiences, hear recommendations from various stakeholders, and develop concrete steps to minimize threats. She stressed that cooperation between businesses and security forces, joint emergency response plans, and investment in security solutions are the tools that can enable companies not only to survive but also to grow even under such challenging conditions. The leadership of the Southern Air Command joined the discussion, outlining the current security situation and emphasizing the main threats to business. The private company Design Bureau “TEKHNARI” also presented its approaches to possible technological solutions and business support. The participants of the roundtable focused on the main challenges enterprises are facing: ensuring business continuity in the face of constant threats, overcoming logistical restrictions, and enhancing the safety of personnel and infrastructure. The business community stressed the importance of closer coordination with the military and authorities, as well as the need for effective protection mechanisms. It is worth noting that in its work in Southern Ukraine, the Association pays special attention to critical enterprises in Odesa Region, including manufacturing companies exposed to multiple risks. An important initiative of the EBA Recovery Committee together with regional offices is the preparation of the White Paper, which includes an expanded list of measures aimed at preserving and restoring the economy of frontline territories. In addition, the EBA Security and Business Protection Committee and the EBA Corporate Security Working Group are actively working on developing practical recommendations for businesses during the war. They organize experience-sharing sessions between companies and the military, conduct analytical research and training programs, and promote a business security culture in line with international standards. The discussions held on September 24 in Odesa once again confirmed the relevance of security challenges for businesses in the region and underlined the importance of systemic cooperation between enterprises, the military, and state institutions. Such dialogue allows businesses to better assess risks and plan measures that ensure operational stability even in the difficult conditions of wartime.

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On September 24, 2025, a roundtable discussion on “The Security Environment for Businesses in Odesa Region During the War: Challenges, Needs, Solutions” was held in Odesa. The event was organized by the Southern Ukrainian Office of the European Business Association (EBA Odesa) and the Union of Employers’ Organizations of Odesa Region, with the participation of the Odesa Regional Development Agency and the Odesa Business Club.

The purpose of the event was to discuss current security issues for businesses under martial law, identify the most urgent needs of enterprises, and explore joint approaches to cooperation between the business community, the military, and state authorities.

The roundtable was opened by Kateryna Morozova, Head of the Southern Ukrainian Office of the EBA. She emphasized that Odesa remains a key economic hub of Ukraine, it is also one of the most vulnerable regions. Such meetings, she noted, provide an opportunity to openly discuss business risks and needs, share experiences, hear recommendations from various stakeholders, and develop concrete steps to minimize threats. She stressed that cooperation between businesses and security forces, joint emergency response plans, and investment in security solutions are the tools that can enable companies not only to survive but also to grow even under such challenging conditions.

The leadership of the Southern Air Command joined the discussion, outlining the current security situation and emphasizing the main threats to business. The private company Design Bureau “TEKHNARI” also presented its approaches to possible technological solutions and business support.

The participants of the roundtable focused on the main challenges enterprises are facing: ensuring business continuity in the face of constant threats, overcoming logistical restrictions, and enhancing the safety of personnel and infrastructure. The business community stressed the importance of closer coordination with the military and authorities, as well as the need for effective protection mechanisms.

It is worth noting that in its work in Southern Ukraine, the Association pays special attention to critical enterprises in Odesa Region, including manufacturing companies exposed to multiple risks. An important initiative of the EBA Recovery Committee together with regional offices is the preparation of the White Paper, which includes an expanded list of measures aimed at preserving and restoring the economy of frontline territories.

In addition, the EBA Security and Business Protection Committee and the EBA Corporate Security Working Group are actively working on developing practical recommendations for businesses during the war. They organize experience-sharing sessions between companies and the military, conduct analytical research and training programs, and promote a business security culture in line with international standards.

The discussions held on September 24 in Odesa once again confirmed the relevance of security challenges for businesses in the region and underlined the importance of systemic cooperation between enterprises, the military, and state institutions. Such dialogue allows businesses to better assess risks and plan measures that ensure operational stability even in the difficult conditions of wartime.