In Kraków, a bilateral meeting took place between representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection.
During the meeting, officials from both countries outlined a joint course for ecological reforms, addressing climate challenges, and preserving Ukraine’s unique nature. Discussions focused on key areas of cooperation aimed at implementing European environmental standards in Ukraine and overcoming the environmental impacts of the war.
Germany is an important partner for Ukraine on its path to EU integration. With Germany’s support, important laws in the fields of climate and industrial pollution have been developed and adopted. Specifically, Ukraine’s "Climate Change Policy Framework" law, which establishes the basis for the country's implementation of international commitments under the Paris Agreement, and the "Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control" law, which harmonizes Ukrainian legislation with Directive 2010/75/EU. Furthermore, decarbonization tools have been introduced, and preparations for launching the emissions trading system are underway.
"We appreciate the support Germany is providing Ukraine in implementing climate and environmental policies. This cooperation helps us not only adopt European standards but also form modern approaches to environmental protection and climate change adaptation amid Russia's aggressive war. We are happy to continue this joint effort," said Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Viktoria Kyreyeva.
The priorities for further cooperation include:
- Supporting Germany’s assistance in implementing climate policy in Ukraine, including financial mechanisms and climate risk assessments.
- Joint efforts to conserve biodiversity, expand protected areas, and preserve primeval forests.
- Enhancing Ukraine's institutional capacity in environmental protection.
- Cooperation on GMO regulation, combating invasive species, and supporting animal rehabilitation centers.
- Strengthening biodiversity monitoring within the Emerald Network.
- Developing a "green platform" for implementing environmental projects.
The International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) play a key role in Ukrainian-German cooperation. Together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, they are implementing many projects in Ukraine focused on climate change adaptation, environmental conservation, and sustainable ecological solutions. The work continues, with many important steps ahead on the path to sustainable development, environmental protection, and Ukraine’s European integration.
