Ukraine to Align Environmental Laws with EU Laws on Ozone-Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine is driving forward the adoption of key European Union regulations on ozone-depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases. This strategic initiative is an integral part of preparations for the upcoming bilateral meeting with the European Commission under Chapter 27 on Environment and Climate Change.

New EU Regulations on Ozone-Depleting Substances and F-Gases

On 7 February 2024, the European Union introduced updated legislation with Regulation (EU) 2024/590 on substances that deplete the ozone layer and Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases, superseding previous frameworks and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937. Ukraine is modernizing its legal and terminological framework to align with these changes.

Why This Matters?

• Alignment with EU Standards: Enables Ukraine to meet European environmental requirements, advancing its integration into the EU framework.

• International Cooperation: Reduces the risk of misunderstandings and legal contradictions in global and regional partnerships.

• Environmental Protection: Strengthens the ability to control substances harmful to the ozone layer and the climate.

Call for Stakeholder Participation

The Ministry is committed to transparency and collaboration and is now seeking input from businesses, public organizations, and individuals with expertise in environmental protection. Comments and suggestions can be submitted through the Ministry’s official website until 31 January 2025.

Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to actively engage all stakeholders in shaping and discussing these regulations to ensure broad consensus and effective outcomes.

New Labelling Rules Introduced

In addition to regulatory alignment, Ukraine has introduced new labelling rules for ozone-depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases. On 9 September 2024, Ukraine notified the WTO of the adoption of Order No. 661, titled "On Approval of the Procedure for Labelling of Controlled Substances, Goods, and Equipment". The Order, issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources on 10 June 2024, will take effect on 1 March 2025.