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 report 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.
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