Implementation of water sector acquis in Ukraine

Abstract

This paper provides an overview and analysis of the progress made by Ukra ine in implementing Water Sector acquis listed in the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. The paper concludes that for the most part the transposition of the respective Directives is complete. It is argued, however, that extra effort is required under the Nitrates Directive and the Drinking Water Directive. Notwi thstanding tangible gains in the development of River Basin Management Plans, Flood Risk Management Plans and the adoption of the Marine Environmental Strategy of Ukraine, the implementation of the State Water Monitoring Program suffers obvious difficulties caused by the unprovoked and unjustified russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, especially in the areas of active warfare. Massive destruction of infrastructure including centralized water supply and se werage systems is likely to hinder implementation of the Drinking Water Direc tive and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive in Ukraine.