Elevating Ukraine’s sustainability: Launching the Green Agenda project for EU accession
Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), together with the Government of Ukraine and Sida (the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency), has launched the Green Agenda for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine – also known as the Green Agenda project – in Kyiv today.
The main objective of this initiative is to align national policies with the principles of the European Green Deal, thereby promoting sustainable development and facilitating the path to European Union membership. Through this project, Ukraine will work towards harmonizing their policies and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable future.
The launch event brought together an extensive range of important stakeholders, comprising government officials, members of the international community, non-governmental organizations, representatives from the private sector, and academia.
In support of the Green Agenda project the Minister of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Ruslan Strilets, said: “Ukraine is strongly involved in the implementation of the Paris Agreement and its goal of keeping global warming at safe levels. And we are ready to follow the European ‘green’ course even now, despite Russian aggression. In addition to the necessary efforts to ensure the transition to green economic development, it is necessary to integrate aspects related to environmental protection into all spheres of socio-economic development.”
“We want to adopt those models of economic growth that are based on ecological approaches, so that decarbonization and efficient use of natural resources are the driving forces for the development and reconstruction of our country,” Minister Strilet added.
Yevhenii Fedorenko, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, said: “This project is extremely important for the green transition and further development of Ukraine. Ukraine's commitment to climate neutrality and integration into the European Union is a strategic move that will bring many benefits to both the country and the people, including access to a wider market with new trade and growth opportunities.”
“Sustainable development and EU integration will provide opportunities for Ukrainian businesses to expand and innovate, and create employment opportunities for Ukrainian citizens as new sectors and industries emerge,” Deputy Minister Yevhenii Fedorenko continued.
Martin Åberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine, said:”The combination of sustainable development and EU integration holds potential for creating jobs and for developing new industries. Sweden is happy to stand by Ukraine, offering expertise, technology, and investment over time, ensuring that we not only progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals but forge a greener and more prosperous future together.
“This commitment will grant Ukraine access to a wider market, thereby unlocking new trade avenues and prospects for economic expansion. Moreover, it will empower Ukrainian businesses to thrive and innovate, as they can tap into the EU’s advanced technologies and adopt its best practices,” added Martin Åberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine.
In a message addressed to event attendees, Måns Nilsson, the Executive Director of SEI, said: “Inaugurating this project is a critical moment for Ukraine on its journey toward embracing the path of EU integration, green recovery and ambitious climate goals. Ukraine faces challenges from Russian aggression, which have taken a toll on both human lives and the environment.”
“We are fully dedicated to assisting Ukraine in achieving its climate goals, which is not just about moving towards climate neutrality and supporting Ukraine’s EU accession, but also about providing Ukraine with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions as they rebuild,” SEI’s Executive Director Måns Nilsson concluded.
Interviews and more information
Ilona Kazaryan, Senior Communications and Impact Officer, SEI, +46722199643, [email protected]
About Green Agenda for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine
The Green Agenda project, active from September 2023 to March 2026, is being implemented in Ukraine by Living Planet, a partner NGO. Addressing various policy areas aligned with the EU Green Deal, it encompasses areas such as climate change, energy efficiency, sustainable construction, smart mobility, circular economy, pollution reduction, food systems and ecosystem conservation.
The initiative will also undertake a comprehensive assessment of Ukraine‘s green transition to serve as a basis for developing a Roadmap for Climate Neutrality 2050. In addition, the project will deliver awareness-raising activities to foster understanding and support for the Roadmap. These activities will aim to engage a wide range of stakeholders and enhance their capacity to effectively contribute to the project’s objectives.
