Kyiv region may become a pilot region for participation in the EU’s PHOENIX initiative for green urban renewal. This was discussed at a meeting of Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Ruslan Strilets and EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius with local authorities of Bucha, Irpin, Brovary, Boryspil, Fastiv, and Borodyanka. The participants discussed plans and priority projects for green urban renewal.

Kyiv region was one of the first regions to suffer from the full-scale invasion of russia. In Irpin alone, 70% of the town was destroyed and damaged due to hostilities.

“Of course, urban reconstruction should be green. And this includes everything – from reconstruction design to solar panels and paints used during restoration and construction work. Discussions with heads of communities has once again convinced us that Kyiv region is ready to implement qualitative changes in its territories and solve existing problems. Mayors understand what steps to take and where to go. And there are already some results. Towns are gradually recovering,” said Minister Ruslan Strilets.

In the opinion of heads of communities, the most important and initial projects for urban reconstruction should be the creation of a modern waste management system, energy efficiency, quality water supply, and wastewater treatment.

Notably, due to constant russian attacks, 144,000 tonnes of demolition waste was generated in Kyiv region alone. And it was Kyiv region that was the first in Ukraine to start solving this problem in a quality manner.

Ruslan Strilets emphasized to the mayors that they should definitely use this unique opportunity from the EU and submit their reconstruction projects to be considered for the Phoenix initiative.