OREANDA-NEWS. February 11, 2015. Ukraine’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Ihor Shevchenko along with representatives of the departments of the Ministry met with a delegation of experts on climate and environment of the European Commission, headed by Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Thomas Frellesen. The sides discussed joint priorities regarding environment for the coming months as well as the EU support.

"The Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU should promote the transfer of European countries’ experience on environmental preservation and creation of better living conditions for citizens and provides the transfer of the fundamental principles of EU environmental policy to Ukraine," the Minister noted.

With the signing of the Association Agreement cooperation between Ukraine and EU moves from the general "protection of nature" in the direction that the environmental issue becomes pressing within national policies. Moving to a more "green" and more sustainable economy will provide qualified personnel with jobs and help in the fight against climate change as well.

Both sides stressed the importance of Ukraine - EU partnership (including the regional programs) and close bilateral cooperation. They discussed and agreed on ways aimed at helping Ukraine in the implementation of bilateral commitments under the Association Agreement. A new Action Plan by 2020 will be developed for the further implementation of the National Strategy for the Environment 2010 with the support of the EU.

At the end of this year Ukraine will participate in the international climate change summit in Paris, where all countries will meet to reach an agreement on GHG emissions’ reduction to an acceptable level. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in order to achieve a transparent international agreement on climate change.