What resolution are we talking about?
In mid-September, the European Parliament adopted its official resolution on Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership. The document was based on the European Commission’s 2023–2024 reports and assessed compliance with the Copenhagen Criteria — covering democracy, market economy, human rights and alignment with EU law.
The resolution is not legally binding, but it is politically significant: it shapes the EU’s common stance on Ukraine’s accession.
Ukraine’s steps forward
European parliamentarians highlighted several positive developments:
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Legislation on renewable energy aligned with the European Green Deal.
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National Energy and Climate Plan approved with 2030 targets for emissions cuts and renewables.
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Launch of the Energy Efficiency Fund and Decarbonization Fund.
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Increased staffing of the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor’s Office.
Ukraine’s steps back
However, the resolution also raised several “alarm bells”:
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Foreign investors expanding control over land, minerals and infrastructure, raising sovereignty and food security concerns.
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Illegal deforestation in the Carpathians, including calls to stop the Svydovets ski resort project, deemed illegal by MEPs.
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Adoption of law No. 4292-IX (formerly No. 12089), which EU officials say contradicts the acquis by legalizing privatization of land illegally seized from state ownership (forests, water bodies).
What EU lawmakers expect from Ukraine
Parliament called on Kyiv to:
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Accelerate renewables and energy efficiency, making “green recovery” the core of reconstruction.
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Use Ukraine Facility funds for climate-friendly projects.
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Strengthen anti-corruption policies in natural resource management.
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Improve implementation of EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment) procedures.
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Build administrative capacity to implement EU environmental acquis and involve the public in decision-making.
What partners should provide
The EU, Member States and the European Commission were urged to:
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Finance a comprehensive environmental recovery strategy.
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Support accountability for Russia’s ecocide and provide compensation mechanisms.
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Ensure long-term financing of the Energy Efficiency Fund and Decarbonization Fund.
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Integrate nuclear safety into Ukraine’s recovery plan.
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Assist in strengthening Ukraine’s Emerald Network of protected areas.
Key highlights of the resolution
Recognition of ecocide
The European Parliament called Russia’s war against Ukraine ecocide, citing devastating impacts on ecosystems, natural resources and human health.
Civil society under pressure
MEPs stressed that civil society is the backbone of democracy in Ukraine, but noted risks from reduced US funding and shrinking public involvement in environmental decision-making.
Resource use and sovereignty
Parliament emphasized that Ukraine’s extraction of critical minerals under international agreements must meet EU social and environmental standards, with strong monitoring mechanisms. Enlargement, they warned, must not lead to resource exploitation or social inequality in candidate countries.
Bottom line
The European Parliament’s verdict is mixed: Ukraine is praised for its climate and energy policies, but criticized for illegal deforestation, controversial land legislation and weakening civic participation. The message is clear — environmental protection and green recovery are not optional add-ons, but core conditions for EU integration.
