The Verkhovna Rada Committees on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation and on Environmental Policy and Nature Management supported the draft law on ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol No. 0303, submitted by the President of Ukraine.

Why is it important?

The document defines the procedure for reducing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), substances used in refrigeration and air conditioning, which are highly potent greenhouse gases.

The Kigali Amendment has already been ratified by 163 countries. It establishes timetables for reducing the consumption of hydrofluorocarbons regardless of the time of ratification. Delaying this process could lead to the need to drastically reduce the use of HFCs, which would have serious economic consequences. For example, if Ukraine ratifies the amendment now, the reduction will be 40% of the baseline. However, if this step is postponed, in 2029, 70% will have to be reduced immediately without a transition period, which will deal a significant blow to industry and the economy.

In addition, from 1 January 2028, the EU will introduce a ban on trade with countries that are not parties to the amendment, and from 1 January 2033, imports and exports of these substances will be banned in all countries of the world.

According to Svitlana Grynchuk, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, ratification of the Kigali Amendment is an important step not only for environmental protection but also for the future of the Ukrainian economy.

“We cannot afford to stay away from global environmental initiatives. Failure to ratify means losing access to international markets and investments, and lagging behind in technological development,” said the Minister. “Implementing modern, energy-efficient solutions will help us reduce harmful emissions, cut energy costs and create new business opportunities. Ukraine must act now to have time to adapt and not lose its competitive advantage.”

Switching to alternative refrigerants, while requiring an initial investment, will in the long run facilitate the introduction of more energy-efficient equipment. In addition, the modernisation of technologies will open up new opportunities for the development of the market for energy-efficient solutions.