The delegation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management concluded its three-day official visit to the Republic of Estonia at the invitation of the Environmental Committee of the Riigikogu. The visit was organized at the initiative of Committee Chair Mr Oleh Bondarenko.
The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Deputy Chair of the Committee Ms Olena Kryvoruchkina. The delegation also included Chair of the Subcommittee on State Policy in Waste Management Mr Serhiy Kuzminykh, and other Committee representatives. The main objectives of the visit were to strengthen cooperation in environmental policy, discuss joint projects, and garner support for Ukraine's environmental restoration efforts.
On the first day of the visit, December 10, the delegation met with Estonia's Minister of Climate, Yoko Alender. Key discussion topics included cooperation in climate change adaptation, waste management, and the integration of best practices into these policy areas. The Estonian side expressed its readiness to share experiences in implementing advanced environmental technologies and methods of adapting to climate challenges.
On December 12, a meeting was held with the Estonia-Ukraine parliamentary friendship group, led by Mr Igor Taro. The discussions focused on the environmental damage caused to Ukraine by Russian aggression and potential joint efforts to implement projects for environmental restoration. Special attention was paid to the impact of military actions on Ukrainian ecosystems and ways to attract international resources to address these consequences.
On December 13, the Ukrainian delegation met with the President of the Riigikogu Mr Lauri Hussar, the Chair of Estonia's Environmental Committee Mr Igor Taro, and other members of parliament. During the meeting, the Estonian side reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine's aspirations for EU and NATO membership. Additionally, the allocation of 1 million euros for climate projects in Ukraine was announced, marking a significant contribution to ensuring the sustainable development of the country.
A key aspect of the visit involved discussions on joint actions to combat climate change. The Estonian side shared its experience in implementing digital solutions for natural resource management and environmental monitoring. The Ukrainian delegation also familiarized itself with Estonian circular economy projects, which could be adapted for use in Ukraine.
The visit contributed to strengthening collaboration between Ukraine and Estonia in environmental policy and the restoration of ecosystems damaged by military actions. It represented an important step in deepening the partnership between the two countries, aimed at creating an environmentally sustainable future for both nations.