The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a National Program aimed at aligning domestic legislation with EU standards. Among the regulations requiring implementation are a number of environmental and climate-related documents. However, the government’s plans are, on the one hand, too ambitious for the reformed Ministry of Economy and Environment, and on the other, they postpone real wildlife conservation for too long.
Petro Testov, head of the analytical department at the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG), reported this on his Telegram channel.
"Now the 'reformers' will directly see the consequences of the Ministry of Environment’s dissolution. I honestly cannot imagine how this work, which is in the plan, can be carried out not just on time, but at all. Of course, unless they adopt something purely formal, without substance," the environmental expert noted.
For its part, the Cabinet of Ministers notes that the approval of the strategy marks a transition to a new stage of negotiations on European integration. The plans have clear deadlines and designate those responsible for specific measures.
Specific plans
In May 2026, government officials plan to draft legislation to implement LULUCF—a European regulation that accounts for greenhouse gas emissions and removals resulting from changes in land use. By the end of 2026, they plan to develop and implement a national system of spatially detailed data on land-use changes.
Specific examples of planned regulatory work:
- The law to enforce the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in Ukraine is scheduled to be adopted as early as June 2026.
- The implementation of the Soil Directive is planned for September 2027.
- The reform of environmental control and the initial provision of enforcement in the field of environmental protection will begin in 2027. After adopting the necessary regulatory acts, the government plans to train prosecutors, police officers, and judges.
- The environmental control authority is expected to be established as of December 2028.
So, when will nature actually be protected?
According to the environmental expert, wildlife conservation only starts to appear in the government's plans in 2030. At that time, the following documents are expected to be adopted:
- the list of invasive species;
- the Nature Restoration Law;
- the Emerald Network Law.
“Real, direct protection of nature is planned for as late as 2033. This is all rather sad, but again, it all depends on us. If there is public demand, all this could be adopted sooner,” hopes Petro Tiestov.
EcoPolitic previously reported on the most important strategic documents in the environmental sector being developed by the Ministry of Economy.
