CBAM, NETS, and GHG emissions: Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture determines next steps for climate policy

Preparing Ukrainian enterprises for the introduction of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), developing a system for monitoring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions), and implementing a National Emissions Trading System (NETS) remain key priorities for Ukraine’s climate policy and European integration. Further steps in these areas were discussed during a working meeting chaired by Oleksandr Krasnolutskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine.

Representatives from the National Accreditation Agency of Ukraine, the Energy Community Secretariat, the GIZ project “Support for the Establishment of an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in Ukraine,” Ukrainian verifiers, the business community, and industry associations participated in the discussion.

The parties reviewed the current status of Ukraine’s climate policy implementation, including issues related to the accreditation of verifiers, cooperation with the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment (SWEDAC), the drafting of a bill on the principles of the National Emissions Trading System (NETS), and further improvements to the Emissions Trading System (ETS) in accordance with European Union legislation.

“Ukraine is consistently preparing to introduce European climate instruments. The development of the GHG emissions system, preparations for the launch of the NETS, and adaptation to CBAM requirements are interrelated elements that form the foundation of the country’s future climate and industrial policy. It is important for us to coordinate the next steps with all stakeholders today to ensure the effective implementation of these decisions and enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian companies in the European market,” said Oleksandr Krasnolutskyi.

During the meeting, special attention was given to the drafting of a bill on the principles governing the national emissions trading system. Public consultation on the draft has now been completed, and comments have been received from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA). The comments are currently being reviewed, and preparations are underway for the next meeting to discuss the document before it is submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine for consideration.

Following the meeting, participants agreed to continue coordinating efforts to implement key EU climate instruments in Ukraine, including the development of the Emissions Trading System (ETS), preparations for the launch of the National Emissions Trading System (NETS), and adaptation to the requirements of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). These areas are an important component of the country’s climate policy and Ukraine’s preparations for EU membership.