The initiative “Green Public Procurement (GPP) and ESG Standards as Tools for Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 and Stimulating Investment in Territorial Communities” is being implemented by the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine within the framework of the project “Support to the Activities of the Ukrainian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum in 2025–2026” (No. EAPCSF/SEC006/2025/NP of 22 April 2025), which is funded by the European Union.
The initiative will be implemented from June to September 2026.
What is the Initiative About?
The implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation 2024/1991 requires Ukraine not only to shift its approaches to environmental management but also to modernize financial and procurement tools at the level of territorial communities. Today, this process is compounded by the catastrophic consequences of hostilities, escalating threats from industrial pollution, and manifestations of malicious, predatory attitudes toward natural resources during wartime. In these harsh realities, the utilization of EU financial assistance aimed at social resilience and reconstruction cannot be a matter of mere preservation or a linear replication of the former status quo, outdated technologies, or old user behavior—it must be based on mainstreamed, comprehensive modernization driven by stringent environmental criteria. This is precisely why combining Green Public Procurement (GPP) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards becomes a key mechanism for attracting transparent investments, meeting European requirements, and preparing communities for large-scale ecosystem restoration measures in 2030–2033. The initiative aims to transform environmental responsibility into an economic advantage for communities, ensuring absolute transparency in the use of EU funds.
Goal of the Initiative
The goal of the initiative is to provide methodological and expert support to local self-government authorities (LSGs) in preparing for the implementation of EU Regulation 2024/1991 through the development and adoption of GPP mechanisms and ESG standards. The implementation of the initiative will help increase the investment attractiveness of communities, enhance the transparency of financial flows, and build institutional capacity for future nature restoration.
What Do We Do?
To achieve this goal, the project team carries out a comprehensive set of activities:
Analytical Work: Preparation of the document “Adapting GPP Mechanisms and ESG Standards to the Requirements of EU Regulation 2024/1991: A Roadmap for Territorial Communities of Ukraine”.
Expert Events: Hosting a round table titled “From GPP to Nature Restoration: Integrating EU Regulation 2024/1991” and a training webinar for LSGs titled “Implementing ESG and Green Procurement: How to Attract Transparent Investments” (with over 30 participants at each event).
Information and Advocacy Work:
- Development of the infographic “Why GPP Is Not Just About Procurement, But the Future of Ukraine’s Nature” and an explainer video on Regulation 2024/1991.
- Presentation on “Investing in Communities: How to Detect Offshore Fraud Through ESG Transparency.”
- A series of working meetings with line ministries (Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry for Restoration) and consultations with experts from the EU Delegation.
- An advocacy campaign to convey recommendations to the committees of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Association of Ukrainian Cities, and DG Environment (European Commission).
- A supporting information campaign (a list of links to event outcomes, reports, and publications will be available on the official resources of NECU).
Why Do We Do It?
The successful restoration of Ukraine requires a systemic approach to integrating European standards into local-level operations. EU Regulation 2024/1991 sets ambitious targets that cannot be met without leveraging private capital and ensuring the responsible use of public funds. The implementation of ESG criteria and green procurement will allow communities not only to fulfill international obligations but also to safeguard themselves against corruption risks and offshore fraud, laying the foundation for the sustainable development of territories for decades to come.
Additional reports, materials, and event links will be updated continuously as the initiative progresses.
This publication was prepared within the framework of the project “Support for the Activities of the Ukrainian National Platform of the EaP CSF in 2025-2026,” implemented by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting with the financial support of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting.
Additional Information:
The Ukrainian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (http://eap-csf.org.ua/) is a network of over 150 non-governmental organizations in Ukraine that advocates for Ukrainian interests within the Eastern Partnership. The platform is a constituent part of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF).
The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (http://eap-csf.org.ua/) is a unique multi-tiered regional civil society platform aimed at promoting European integration, facilitating reforms, and democratic transformations in the six Eastern Partnership countries—Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Serving as the civil society component of the EaP, the EaP CSF strives to strengthen civil society in the region, enhance the level of pluralism in public discourse and policy by promoting participatory democracy and fundamental freedoms. The EaP CSF is a non-partisan, independent non-governmental organization built on integrity.
Contact Information
Ukrainian National Platform
of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum
eap-csf.org.ua
unp.eap@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/unp.eap.csf
National Ecological Centre of Ukraine
info@necu.org.ua
https://necu.org.ua/
https://www.facebook.com/NECU.official