June 25, 2025 – Kyiv
Ukraine has taken a groundbreaking step in environmental and industrial policy by becoming the first country in Europe to officially establish a national framework for eco-industrial parks. The move, confirmed by the Ministry of Economy, aligns with the country’s broader economic transformation efforts and signals a strong commitment to sustainable industrial development.
A New Benchmark for Green Industry
The new regulation outlines a comprehensive set of sustainability benchmarks and introduces a tiered rating system for industrial park operators. Effective from September 1, 2025, the standard evaluates parks on environmental performance, operational efficiency, and overall management quality, assigning them a bronze, silver, or gold designation.
“This recognition of eco-industrial status assures international investors that our parks meet the same rigorous environmental and efficiency standards found across the European Union,” said Deputy Economy Minister Vitalii Kindrativ.
Industrial park developers are encouraged to start adopting the guidelines even before the official rollout date. The regulatory framework was formalized through Order No. 95 issued by the Ukrainian Scientific Research and Training Center for Standardization on June 5, 2025.
Next Steps in the Green Transition
The implementation of the eco-industrial park concept is part of Ukraine’s broader green industrial policy under the Ukraine Facility—a multi-year EU-backed initiative promoting economic modernization and environmental reform. One upcoming milestone includes the anticipated passage of draft legislation No. 12117, introduced by lawmakers Dmytro Kysylevskyi and Dmytro Natalukha, which would provide additional legal and financial mechanisms to support eco-industrial development.
Strategic Context
Eco-industrial parks represent clusters where businesses cooperate to optimize resource use, exchange byproducts, and reduce waste and emissions—core principles of circular economy practices. Ukraine’s adoption of this model is expected to drive innovation in its manufacturing sector and attract sustainable investment.
This initiative also complements the €50 billion Ukraine Facility program funded by the European Union, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s economic resilience between 2024 and 2027. In 2025 alone, the EU contributed €10.5 billion in direct budgetary support, reinforcing its role as Ukraine’s largest financial partner.
Conclusion
By formalizing standards for eco-industrial zones, Ukraine is not only setting a precedent within Europe but also aligning its recovery with long-term sustainability goals. The new framework offers a clear signal to investors and industry stakeholders that green growth is a strategic priority in the country’s path forward.
This content has been adapted from its original version in Ukrainian: https://forbes.ua/news/ukraina-pershoyu-v-evropi-skhvalila-natsstandart-dlya-ekoindustrialnikh-parkiv-shcho-vin-peredbachae-16062025-30550
