Dmytro Abramovych
Ukraine ranked third in Europe in terms of the rate of the growing number of electric vehicles and electric charging infrastructure.
First Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Dmytro Abramovych says Ukraine foresees steps to contribute to a gradual transition to electric transport as part of the implementation of the 2030 National Transport Strategy, so that electric transport could account for 100% of municipalities' purchases.
"In terms of the rate of the growing number of electric vehicles and electric charging infrastructure, we [Ukraine] leave behind all neighboring countries and take third place in Europe," he said at a plenary meeting of the Inland Transport Committee of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva on February 25.
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According to the official, the rapid development of the transport sector, especially freight logistics and passenger transportation, accelerates the economy, as well as develops trade and cooperation between countries. However, climate issues require a revision of approaches to this process.
"All [European Union] member states agree that it is necessary to switch to more environmentally friendly types of inland transport as an effective tool for solving global climate problems," he said.
With regard to cooperation in this area, Ukraine is taking all steps to secure an environmentally safe future.
"We are pleased to see Europe taking steps to protect the environment and prevent climate change. The new European Green Deal is a prime example of this," he said. "The Government of Ukraine fully supports the Declaration of the Inland Transport Committee, that is 'Declaration on enhancing sustainable inland transport solutions to global climate and environmental challenges – a united call to action.'"
The plenary session of the UN Inland Transport Committee of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe began on February 25. The draft concept note of the high-level policy segment is titled "Environmental challenges to sustainable inland transport."
Five years after the signing of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Sustainable Development Goals, climate and the environment remain a global challenge. Inland transport contributes to climate change, leaving a significant carbon footprint. That is why it is so vital to have environmentally friendly transport, which will reduce emissions of CO2 and other harmful substances.