Svitlana Grynchuk and Erica Schouten discuss support and development of Ukraine’s water management during online meeting

Svitlana Grynchuk, Ukraine’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, held an online meeting with Erica Schouten, the Netherlands’ Special Envoy for Ukraine.

The meeting built on discussions initiated in Brussels, covering water supply issues in frontline regions, the restoration and modernisation of hydraulic infrastructure, the development of renewable energy, the expansion of automated monitoring networks for water quality and quantity, and Euro-integration changes to water legislation.

“Our water resource management system requires reform, and we have already begun this process. In this context, the expert support from the Netherlands – a country with one of Europe’s most effective water management models – is invaluable,” emphasised Svitlana Grynchuk.

The Netherlands is already implementing several projects with Ukrainian communities and utility companies, particularly in frontline areas and regions affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. The Association of Netherlands Municipalities is actively involved, notably supporting water projects in Kherson region. The meeting explored opportunities to expand cooperation, especially in modernising and restoring hydraulic infrastructure.

The Minister noted that russia’s full-scale invasion had destroyed or damaged 746 hydraulic infrastructure facilities. According to World Bank estimates, damages in this sector exceed USD 11 billion. Ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure have significantly complicated water provision for the population, but Ukraine has already started the restoration process.

During the meeting, Svitlana Grynchuk and Erica Schouten agreed to involve Dutch experts in future technical meetings and to deepen the partnership.

“I thank the Netherlands for their comprehensive support for environmental protection during the war. We continue to move towards new horizons in our cooperation,” stressed Svitlana Grynchuk.