«Waste Management System: Experience of the European Union for Ukraine»
Students Name: Bilonizhka Olha Vasylivna
Qualification Level: magister
Speciality: International Relations
Institute: Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences
Mode of Study: part
Academic Year: 2023-2024 н.р.
Language of Defence: ukrainian
Abstract: In today’s world, the issue of waste management is extremely relevant and important for many countries, including Ukraine. Increasing production, consumption of goods and services leads to an increase in the volume of waste, and if not properly managed, this can lead to serious environmental problems, including soil, water and air pollution, as well as a decrease in the quality of life of the population. In addition, the growing amount of waste and its inappropriate disposal can lead to serious economic and social problems. The experience of the European Union, which has gone through the process of establishing the system, can be extremely useful for Ukraine, which is just beginning to pave its way in this area. The object of study of this master’s thesis is the waste management system in the European Union. The subject of the research is an overview of the historical context and the need that led to the active development of the waste management system in the European Union, a comprehensive analysis of the legislative framework of the European Union in the context of the waste management system. This master’s thesis also examines the legislative, executive and monitoring bodies responsible for the waste management system in the European Union, as well as the role of the public sector in the implementation and monitoring of compliance with waste management laws. All these aspects were studied in order to understand how the experience of the European Union can and should be implemented in Ukraine, starting with the approximation of legislation and ending with the implementation of the best innovative practices of the EU on the ground in Ukraine. In addition, the challenges and threats that Ukraine and the relevant departments face or will face in implementing the waste management system on the ground were further investigated. Based on this data and the information gathered on the prospects for implementing the waste management system, recommendations for Ukraine were also developed. The purpose of this master’s thesis is to study and analyse the waste management system in the European Union in order to identify best practices and opportunities for their implementation in Ukraine. This work aims to identify key principles and tools that ensure effective waste management, and takes into account the cultural, economic and social characteristics of Ukraine in order to develop recommendations for establishing and improving the waste management system in our country. The master’s thesis presents an in-depth analysis of waste management issues in Ukraine, with a focus on learning and adapting European experience. Through detailed research, the thesis highlights the key challenges faced by Ukraine in this area and proposes solutions based on successful practices in the EU. One of the main problems in Ukraine is outdated waste management practices that lead to environmental problems and economic losses. This includes the proliferation of illegal dumpsites, low levels of waste recovery and recycling, and the lack of effective policies in this area. These challenges are compounded by insufficient infrastructure, corruption in the environmental sector, and the lack of an integrated approach to waste management. Ukraine is currently on the path of reforming its waste management system. At the heart of this reform is the need to approximate EU legislation and start the process of creating a functioning system. The recently adopted framework law harmonises Ukraine’s system with European standards by defining different waste groups and management practices, establishing a waste management hierarchy and regulating some of these activities, introducing an extended producer responsibility system, implementing a national waste inventory and a waste management information system that will greatly simplify waste accounting. In the context of the European Union, the paper examines in detail various models and strategies that have been successfully implemented in EU countries. These include zero waste policies, the application of circular economy principles, effective waste management legislation, and the development of innovative recycling technologies. Particular attention is paid to the role of education and raising public awareness of the importance of waste sorting and recycling. In order to adapt these approaches to the Ukrainian context, the paper recommends a comprehensive approach that includes legislative changes, infrastructure development, investment in new technologies and active public engagement. Particular attention should be paid to creating effective control mechanisms and introducing incentives for the development of the private sector in the waste management sector. In addition, it is necessary to focus on integrating environmental goals into the country’s overall sustainable development strategies. Given the complexity and scale of the problem, the successful implementation of these changes will require significant efforts from the government, business, local authorities and civil society. The work emphasises that such a transformation of the waste management system will not only contribute to the improvement of the environmental situation, but will also become a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and improvement of the quality of life of the population. Ultimately, this master’s thesis presents not only an analysis of the existing problems, but also develops practical recommendations for their solution, making an important contribution to the development of an effective, sustainable and integrated waste management system in Ukraine. Given the complexity of the task, the implementation of the recommended changes will take time and gradual steps, but their implementation is vital for achieving sustainability and environmental safety in Ukraine. Keywords: waste management system, European Union, Ukraine, implementation, approximation, control, circular economy, сivil society sector. References: 1. Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain directives. Available from: https://www.kmu.gov.ua/storage/app/sites/1/55-GOEEI/2008-98-ec.pdf 2. Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste. Available from: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/994_b05#Text 3. The Law of Ukraine "On Waste Management". Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Available from: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2320-20#Text 4. Clelia Antico. (2020). Brief overview of the EU Waste Law and Policy Legal Officer, Environmental Implementation, DG Environment, European Commission. European Commission. Available from: http://surl.li/oadho (дата звернення: 09.10.2023). 5. Ukraine 2023 Report. (2023). European Commission. Available from: SWD_2023_699 Ukraine report.pdf (europa.eu) (дата звернення: 18.11.2023).