Ukraine’s Climate Transition: From Commitments to Implementation, Investment and European Integration

High-level ministerial dialogue as part of the COP Ministerial Days, with the participation of representatives from the Government of Ukraine, the European Commission, the governments of partner countries, international organisations and financial institutions.

Estimated duration: 90 minutes.

Since 2023, Ukraine has been holding annual high-level events at COP, during which it presents its progress in implementing national climate policy to international partners.

Despite the full-scale war, Ukraine continues to fulfil its international climate commitments, align its legislation with EU standards and develop practical tools for decarbonising the economy.

The event will present the key results achieved since COP30:

• the submission of Ukraine’s updated Second Nationally Determined Contribution;
• the development and submission to the UNFCCC Secretariat of Ukraine’s Long-Term Strategy for Low-Carbon Development up to 2050;
• the submission to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of a draft law on a greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme;
• the development of a system for monitoring, reporting and verifying emissions;
• adopting a pilot mechanism for implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement;
• establishment of a national registry to record emission reduction results;
• integrating climate policy into Ukraine’s EU accession process, industrial recovery and preparations for the implementation of the CBAM.

Aim of the event

To demonstrate to the international community Ukraine’s progress in shaping a modern climate policy and to move from presenting commitments to discussing practical support for their implementation.

Key topics for discussion

The discussion will focus on Ukraine’s progress in advancing climate reforms amidst the ongoing full-scale war, highlighting key achievements and future climate policy priorities on its path towards European integration. Particular attention will be given to the implementation of Ukraine’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy, as well as translating climate commitments into concrete investment opportunities.

Participants will explore Ukraine’s alignment with EU climate legislation, including the introduction of a national Emissions Trading System (ETS), industrial adaptation to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and opportunities for modernising the Ukrainian economy. The discussion will also highlight the role of international financial institutions, public and private investors in supporting Ukraine’s green recovery, developing innovative financing mechanisms, and advancing joint climate projects.

The dialogue will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences, share international partners’ perspectives, and explore new avenues for cooperation aimed at strengthening climate resilience, supporting Ukraine’s sustainable economic development, and contributing to shared European and global climate goals.

Expected outcome

Adoption of a joint political statement by the partners on supporting Ukraine’s climate transition, developing a national emissions trading system, implementing Article 6 and attracting investment in green recovery.

Key communication message:

Ukraine is not postponing the climate transition until the war is over, but is already establishing a European carbon regulation system and using climate policy as a tool for recovery, economic modernisation and integration into the EU