Modernisation Of Water Drainage And Wastewater Treatment Systems: State Target Programme Approved Until 2034

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the State Target Environmental Programme for the technical modernisation of state-owned and municipal water drainage and wastewater treatment enterprises for the period up to 2034 (the ‘Ecostocks’ Programme). The document was drafted by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine and is a key instrument for implementing national legislation in line with European Union requirements for urban wastewater treatment.

The approval of the Ecostocks Programme provides for the systematic modernisation of outdated water drainage and wastewater treatment infrastructure throughout the country. This is a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing the negative impact of wastewater on the environment and improving the quality of services for the population.

"This is a transition from ad hoc solutions to a systematic state policy in the field of wastewater disposal. We are laying a long-term framework for the modernisation of treatment facilities, expanding people's access to services and bringing Ukrainian standards into line with European Union requirements," said Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine — Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba.

The programme defines strategic goals, approaches and tools for the development of the wastewater sector, in particular the introduction of modern technologies for treatment and sludge processing, the expansion of centralised wastewater networks, automation and dispatching of processes, as well as creating conditions for attracting investment.

Its implementation shall ensure:

• reduction of environmental pollution;
• significant expansion of public access to wastewater systems;
• modernisation of wastewater infrastructure throughout the country;
• introduction of European treatment standards;
• improved energy efficiency and sustainability of communities;
• increased opportunities for the reuse of treated water;
• development of the sector's investment potential.

The Ecostocks programme is an important component of Ukraine's European integration commitments and the harmonisation of national legislation with European Union requirements, in particular Council Directive 91/271/EEC on urban waste water treatment, taking into account the updates to Directive (EU) 2024/3019, as well as the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 "Clean Water and Sanitation".