Ukraine has cemented its support for the EU's green course: what the new climate law means

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the framework draft law No. 11310, which defines the main directions of the country's state climate policy. This decision, adopted in the second reading, is an important step in ensuring low-carbon development, adaptation to climate change and fulfillment of international obligations, in particular to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The draft law defines the legal and organizational foundations for the formation and achievement of climate policy goals at all levels of government — national, regional, and local. It also provides for the establishment of a national system for inventorying greenhouse gas emissions and monitoring the implementation of climate measures.

The law was developed in accordance with the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of March 23, 2021 and was supported by the government, which emphasized the need to implement a green course aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050 as one of the important points of the European Union.

The adoption of the law will contribute to the fulfillment of international obligations, including those arising from the Association Agreement with the EU, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition, it will contribute to the harmonization of Ukrainian climate legislation with European legislation, in particular with the EU regulation on achieving climate neutrality.

This step is important not only from an environmental point of view, but also from an economic point of view, as it will contribute to the creation of new opportunities for the development of green technologies and sustainable economic growth. It also demonstrates Ukraine's maturity as a participant in global processes in the field of climate change and sustainable development.

Enshrining the "green course" in Ukrainian legislation is a key step towards a sustainable future for the country, aimed at reducing the impact of human activity on the climate and preserving the environment for future generations.