Ukraine is working on updates to the State Environmental Policy Strategy. A ministerial working group has finalized a draft of amendments to the current law. Officials state that this version has been coordinated with relevant experts and takes into account the impact of the full-scale war and the goals of European integration.
This was reported by the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture.
Draft development
The previous version of Ukraine’s State Environmental Policy Strategy for the period up to 2030 was adopted back in 2019. Since then, at least two momentous changes have occurred that are expected to impact environmental legislation: a full-scale war and the country’s acquisition of candidate status for EU membership. The Ministry of Economy states that these factors have been taken into account.
The working group spent two months on the draft, involving scientists, experts, local governments, and the public in its development. According to the Ministry, over 300 proposals were reviewed.
Key updates
The authors of the draft amendments list among their key innovations a new, sixth goal of the Strategy related to the war. This goal focuses on assessing and compensating for environmental damage, as well as the green recovery of infrastructure and nature.
The document is also intended to lay the groundwork for pro-European transformation in various sectors of the economy.
The Ministry claims that the changes to the Strategy will create favorable conditions for the eco-modernization of businesses and decarbonization. In particular, it provides a basis for introducing the best available techniques (BAT) and attracting green financing.
The strategy should also promote the adoption of sustainable consumption and production principles, as well as the adaptation of the national environmental management system to EU standards.
At the same time, the Ministry of Economy expects that updates to the Strategy will help Ukraine develop its protected natural areas and preserve biodiversity.
To achieve its ambitious objectives, the Strategy integrates environmental goals into other strategic documents and into all economic sectors.
After approval by other government bodies, the document is promised to be made public for discussion.
EcoPolitic previously reported on the top 5 strategic environmental documents currently being developed by the Ministry of Economy.
