Amid the immense challenges brought on by Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has demonstrated both the determination and potential to plan and implement a successful green transition in the coming decades. Its strong commitment to European Union integration, combined with the opportunity to leverage post-war reconstruction for sustainable development, positions Ukraine as a potential model for other EU enlargement candidate countries on their green transition paths.

While the ongoing war limits the ability to fully prioritize green transition efforts, ensuring that Ukraine maximizes its potential in this area remains essential. High-level, methodically designed governance is crucial to maintaining consistency across all relevant sectors and levels of administration. Strategic planning in green skills development and land use must also be prioritized. Addressing sector-specific challenges will require coordinated efforts with international donors and experts, while long-term policy decisions must align with the overarching goals of sustainability and resilience.

This report examines the key sectors driving Ukraine’s green transition, balancing the requirements for future EU membership with the nation’s own needs, considering its unique context and priorities. Rather than focusing solely on legislative requirements for EU accession, the analysis seeks to provide a macro-level perspective on the sectors most affected by and influencing the green transition. It highlights the critical challenges that must be addressed in the next 3 to 5 years to safeguard long-term sustainability goals. The report covers eight sectoral perspectives, three cross-cutting themes and the financial requirements necessary to support Ukraine’s green transition.

The report highlights the importance of robust, high-level coordination and cross-sector collaboration in managing Ukraine’s green transition. With war-induced disruptions in human resources, industrial capabilities, and environmental oversight, the nation faces significant challenges in reskilling its workforce and updating outdated, high-emission infrastructures. Comprehensive, multi-stakeholder initiatives supported by international allies are crucial to driving innovations in green technology and ensuring that reconstruction adheres to “build back better” principles.

Land use planning and thorough environmental assessment emerge as critical challenges in the context of reconstruction. The dual demand of developing infrastructure while restoring contaminated and degraded lands underscores the need for an integrated national strategy. By balancing immediate recovery needs with long-term environmental objectives, Ukraine can safeguard natural ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and secure sustainable agricultural practices.

Ultimately Ukraine’s green transition is not solely an environmental imperative, but a strategic necessity for national resilience, economic competitiveness and a just society. By leveraging clean technologies, modernizing key industries, and integrating sustainable practices into every facet of reconstruction, Ukraine has the potential to emerge as a leader in sustainable recovery, setting an example for both regional and global green transformation efforts.