Green transition report for Ukraine shows paths to green recovery and EU integration

As Ukraine progresses on its path to EU integration, a National Comprehensive Green Transition Assessment Report was released today by  Stockholm Environment Institute’s (SEI) Green Agenda for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine initiative. This report spotlights the country's commitment to a green and resilient recovery from war, including a blend of reconstruction with long-term sustainability and EU policy integration. 

The National Assessment launched with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and comes at a pivotal moment ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, 10–11 July. 

Developed by SEI’s Green Agenda project experts through close consultation with government and civil society, the National Assessment benchmarks Ukraine’s readiness for a green transition across 12 major sectors, including energy, industry, transport, agriculture and digitalization. The assessment provides a detailed analysis of how Ukraine’s green transition – against the backdrop of ongoing war and widespread infrastructure devastation - offers a unique chance to “build back better”, as well as to make the environmental agenda a basis for future economic competitiveness.

The latest Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment shows that Ukraine’s reconstruction will cost at least EUR 506 billion. Our report shows how different sectors currently look from a green transition perspective, and how the reforms and investments in these sectors should be prioritized to tackle environmental degradation, foster economic stability, and enhance competitiveness in line with EU requirements.

Ivo Krustok, Lead Coordinator of the Ukraine National Assessment

Despite the devastation of war, Ukraine has remained resolute in its European ambitions, ramping up efforts to decarbonize the economy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand renewable energy, and meet EU environmental standards. The report finds that post-war rebuilding allows for more than mere restoration – it opens the way to fundamental economic and societal transformation through integrating clean technologies, boosting energy efficiency, and developing resilient infrastructure. 

Streamlining the green agenda into planning and governance will be critical to success, as well as linking action at the local and national level. There is much unused potential in cross-sector collaboration, investment in human capital and “green skills”, establishing an efficient green investment framework, and prioritizing strategic land-use planning. The assessment also notes the country’s strength in digitalization and innovative defence technologies - as models for the development of green industries and advanced manufacturing. 

Transitioning to a green economy is essential for Ukraine’s national resilience, for advancing EU membership, and for being integrated in the international value chains. Our assessment shows Ukraine’s determination to turn crisis into opportunity – not just for itself, but as a model for other regions recovering from conflict.

Ganna Gladkykh, Green Agenda Ukraine Country Lead and SEI Policy Fellow

Following the release of the assessment, SEI’s Green Agenda initiative will continue supporting its Ukrainian partners in developing sectoral plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring sustainable competitiveness, strengthening research and analytical capacity to support decision-making.  

The Green Agenda for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine is a regional partnership led by SEI and Sida, working with governments, civil society, and key stakeholders. 

Key takeaways from the National Comprehensive Green Transition Assessment for Ukraine 

• Russia’s invasion has severely damaged Ukraine’s infrastructure and environment, with serious impacts on air, soil and water quality. 

• Despite immense challenges, Ukraine remains committed to EU membership, with a strong focus on decarbonization, renewables, and meeting EU environmental standards. 

• Reconstruction presents a unique chance to adopt clean technologies, elevate energy efficiency, and develop resilient infrastructure across all economic sectors.

• Success hinges on coordination across government levels, investment in green skills and human capital, green finance, and strategic land-use planning. 

• Ukraine’s track record in digitalization and defence technology points to significant potential for green and innovative industry development.

• Green transition is key to national resilience, successful EU integration, and enhancing Ukraine’s competitive position on the global stage.

• Ukraine’s persistence in sustainable recovery amid crisis offers valuable lessons for regions emerging from conflict around the world.

• It is crucial to modernize key industries by adopting EU-aligned emissions trading, circular economy practices, and green finance tools. Investments in clean technologies like hydrogen, electrification, and resource efficiency must be secured to rebuild a resilient, competitive industrial base.   

• Future-proof recovery and urban development efforts must be designed in a way that prioritizes sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure, sustainable food systems and biodiversity protection. 

Media and Interviews 

SEI is offering interviews with the Green Agenda project experts, report authors, Ukrainian stakeholders, and international contributors to the national assessment. Media representatives will receive a summary of key findings and recommendations, and access to in-depth briefings on each sector. 

For enquiries and interview requests, please contact: 

Ilona Kazaryan, Senior Communications and Impact Officer, [email protected] 

Olena Ermolenko, National Communications Officer for Ukraine, [email protected]