On 8 April in Kyiv, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, together with UNIDO and with the support of the Swiss Government, launched the second phase of the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP-II). The project aims to demonstrate in practice the viability and benefits of eco-industrial parks, showcasing their ability to improve the environmental, economic, and social performance of businesses while promoting sustainable industrial development.

The signing of the project document was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko and Swiss Ambassador Jacques Gerber.

“This is not just a continuation of cooperation – it’s a systemic transformation of Ukrainian industrial parks in line with EU standards. Eco-industrial parks are the future of a green and competitive Ukrainian industry, and we are grateful to our international partners for their strategic support in this direction,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

What is GEIPP-II and why it matters

This is a joint initiative between Ukraine and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), funded by Switzerland through SECO. The total budget for the programme in Ukraine is nearly CHF 3 million (including support costs).

GEIPP-II builds on the first phase, which ran from 2019 to 2024 and was successfully implemented despite the full-scale war. Now, it’s time to move forward and scale up the ecological transformation of Ukrainian industry.

The programme includes:

• Integration of eco-industrial development principles into state policy and legislation.
• Technical support for industrial parks to meet international standards.
• Implementation of energy-efficient and clean technologies at enterprises.
• Development of industrial symbiosis and a circular economy.

Achievements of the first phase

Over the five years of the first phase:

• Energy audits were conducted and pilot industrial parks were modernised.
• Legislative changes were developed to introduce the eco-industrial park model.
• Work began on creating a national standard for such parks, with its adoption expected in May 2025.

What the second phase will deliver

The new phase will not only continue these efforts but also expand them nationwide. The programme will help attract investors, reduce emissions, lower energy costs for businesses, and boost the competitiveness of Ukrainian manufacturing.

GEIPP-II also fully aligns with Ukraine’s Recovery Plan, the Ukraine Plan under the Ukraine Facility, and the country’s path to European integration.

“This is not just assistance – it’s a signal of trust in Ukraine. Together with our international partners, we are investing in sustainable development, security, and a new industrial ecosystem,” added Yuliia Svyrydenko.

More details about the project.