Ukraine to use EU experience in tackling waste management issues

“Our aim is to create a virtuous circle in the Ukrainian society when more demanding people will be able to obtain more opportunities to recycle – it is essentially a matter of setting up the right legal framework, raising consciousness and making resources available to accompany this transition to Circular Economy. The EU stands with Ukraine on all these points," said sector manager for energy, environment, green economy, civil protection of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Jean-Francois Moret.

An executive director of International charitable organization "Environment-People-Law" Olena Kravchenko pointed to the fact that although Ukraine’s situation with waste management is critical, Ukraine has a great advantage of being able to use European experience, to avoid mistakes made by other countries and make a breakthrough becoming a leader in this field.

European and Ukrainian experts discussed legislative initiatives and technological solutions through the prism of their compliance with the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and European practice in this field.

Read alsoNew audit law to bring Ukraine closer to best European, int'l practice - EU DelegationThe EU diplomats deem "very encouraging" the fact that the Ministry of Regional Development of Ukraine responsible for the reformation of waste system in Ukraine "is exhibiting adherence to European standards and is very active in fostering implementation of the European system of waste management in Ukraine."

Speaking about legislative processes in the field of waste management, Ukrainian MP Ostap Yednak stressed: "Ukraine needs to finally determine its policy of waste management. An important step on this path should be the adoption of the National Waste Management Strategy, which should establish a general framework for the government and deputies to regulate the issue. The adoption of the Strategy will finally allow for the development of a coherent draft law in line with the EU Framework Directive on Waste, as was the case with the EIA and SEA draft laws."

Read alsoRFE/RL: Ukrainian lawmakers tell Lviv mayor to solve garbage problem or resignThe participants in the roundtable have concluded that the transition to circular economy requires systemic transformations at all levels and progress is possible only thanks to joint efforts of the authorities, civil society and business.