EBA discusses key climate policy issues with the Ministry of Economy

25/ 03/ 2026

On 25 March, the Industrial Ecology and Sustainable Development Committee of the European Business Association held a working meeting with Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, Oleksandr Krasnolutskyi. The meeting focused on climate policy and its alignment with European approaches. In particular, participants discussed the implementation of the Paris Agreement provisions against the backdrop of an active debate in the EU on revising climate policy and its implementation instruments. Business representatives emphasised the importance of updating Ukraine’s climate policy so that it remains aligned with European standards while also taking into account Ukraine’s wartime and economic realities. Special attention was given to the issue of financing decarbonisation. The business community stressed that without accessible and effective state financial support instruments, industrial participation in decarbonisation is practically impossible. The EU experience demonstrates that achieving climate targets requires substantial financial backing — including grants, subsidies, preferential financing, and dedicated funds. In Ukraine, however, businesses currently face limited access to such instruments, even large taxpayers, which significantly complicates the implementation of decarbonisation projects. The launch of an emissions trading system (ETS) was also discussed. Given the current socio-political conditions, its implementation entails significant risks for industry. Association representatives noted that the lack of clear parameters of the future system makes it difficult to plan investments in decarbonisation today. Meeting participants highlighted the importance of ensuring predictability, gradual implementation, and adaptability of the ETS. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was another key topic of discussion. The Association has previously addressed the government regarding the need for a special approach to its application for Ukraine, including the possibility of postponement due to the unprecedented impact of the war on the economy and industry. Although current EU legislation allows for the consideration of force majeure circumstances, Ukrainian exporters have already faced significant barriers. Participants stressed the importance of continuing dialogue with the EU on postponing CBAM and defining emission verification mechanisms under wartime conditions to ensure recognition of Ukrainian reporting. The Association thanks the Ministry of Economy for a productive meeting and for its attention to business concerns.

On 25 March, the Industrial Ecology and Sustainable Development Committee of the European Business Association held a working meeting with Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, Oleksandr Krasnolutskyi. The meeting focused on climate policy and its alignment with European approaches.

In particular, participants discussed the implementation of the Paris Agreement provisions against the backdrop of an active debate in the EU on revising climate policy and its implementation instruments. Business representatives emphasised the importance of updating Ukraine’s climate policy so that it remains aligned with European standards while also taking into account Ukraine’s wartime and economic realities.

Special attention was given to the issue of financing decarbonisation. The business community stressed that without accessible and effective state financial support instruments, industrial participation in decarbonisation is practically impossible. The EU experience demonstrates that achieving climate targets requires substantial financial backing — including grants, subsidies, preferential financing, and dedicated funds. In Ukraine, however, businesses currently face limited access to such instruments, even large taxpayers, which significantly complicates the implementation of decarbonisation projects.

The launch of an emissions trading system (ETS) was also discussed. Given the current socio-political conditions, its implementation entails significant risks for industry. Association representatives noted that the lack of clear parameters of the future system makes it difficult to plan investments in decarbonisation today. Meeting participants highlighted the importance of ensuring predictability, gradual implementation, and adaptability of the ETS.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was another key topic of discussion. The Association has previously addressed the government regarding the need for a special approach to its application for Ukraine, including the possibility of postponement due to the unprecedented impact of the war on the economy and industry. Although current EU legislation allows for the consideration of force majeure circumstances, Ukrainian exporters have already faced significant barriers. Participants stressed the importance of continuing dialogue with the EU on postponing CBAM and defining emission verification mechanisms under wartime conditions to ensure recognition of Ukrainian reporting.

The Association thanks the Ministry of Economy for a productive meeting and for its attention to business concerns.