On the Path to European Standards: Ukraine to Implement New Approaches to Water Management with Support from EU4Green Recovery East

A Ukrainian delegation took part in the second meeting of the Regional Assembly of the EU4Green Recovery East programme and thematic events on water management in Paris. The main outcome of the visit was the identification of practical approaches that Ukraine can use in implementing European water legislation — specifically, the preparation of the second cycle of river basin management plans and the development of basin governance.

The support of the EU4Green Recovery East programme is helping our country not only to adapt relevant legislation to EU requirements, but also to adopt practical tools that have already proven their effectiveness in Europe. In Paris, Ukrainian representatives familiarised themselves with the work of French basin institutions, visited the Artois-Picardie Water Agency, and took part in seminars on the management of new types of pollutants.

The French Model as the Foundation of the EU Water Framework Directive

The delegation focused primarily on the French model of basin governance, which has underpinned the country’s water policy for over half a century. It was France that originally established the basin principle of resource management, which subsequently formed the basis of the EU Water Framework Directive. In French basin committees, decisions are taken jointly by representatives of the state, municipalities, farmers, industry, scientists, and the public.

Ukrainian specialists also studied the practice of implementing river basin management plans — documents referred to in France as the “water user’s bible.” Their primary goal is to achieve good ecological status of water bodies. Importantly, failure to meet these environmental requirements may serve as grounds for stringent sanctions from the European Union.

The “Polluter Pays” Principle and Climate Adaptation

French experts presented the Ukrainian side with the economic model of water resource management based on the “polluter pays” principle. All funds paid by water users are directed exclusively towards infrastructure modernisation and environmental measures within specific river basins.

European colleagues also devoted particular attention to adaptation to climate change. Among the key solutions are the reuse of treated wastewater and nature-based technologies for water retention.

Ukrainian Developments and the Philosophy of Future Change

The Ukrainian side presented its own work on integrated water resource management. Ukrainian delegates shared information about the work of Ukrainian basin councils, which similarly bring together representatives of government bodies, business, scientists, and the public to coordinate important decisions.

The Ministry of Economy notes that the further development of water governance in Ukraine should be grounded in transparent decision-making, active stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning. These fundamental principles have already proven their effectiveness in France and other EU countries, and will therefore serve as the foundation for reform in Ukraine.

Source: Propozytsiia