EU directives on waste management and their implementation in Ukraine within the framework of the association agreement

Abstract

Relevance. The relevance of the study stems from the need to analyze the requirements regarding industrial pollution in the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, particularly concerning the approximation of national legislation to EU environmental law and policy.
Objective. The aim of the study is to summarize the requirements of EU waste management directives and to define the implementation obligations within the framework of the Association Agreement.
Materials and methods. To achieve the stated objective, two key methods were applied: the comparative legal method and the systems approach. These were used to compare the provisions of national legislation with those of EU directives and to identify interrelations among the various normative requirements.
Results. The core of the European Union's legal framework on waste management is the Waste Framework Directive, which establishes fundamental principles such as the five-step waste hierarchy, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and end-of-waste criteria. This framework is complemented by a set of specialized directives and regulations that set ambitious, legally binding targets for specific waste streams, including packaging, WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment), batteries, and landfilling. Key challenges for aligning national legislation with EU directives include attracting investment in infrastructure (especially for meeting the requirements of the Landfill Directive), the practical implementation of EPR systems, and the constant need to keep pace with the evolving EU legislative landscape. This necessitates a shift in the mindset of industry and businesses from mere compliance to proactive engagement – developing EPR strategies, investing in cleaner production technologies, and anticipating future EU requirements (such as the new Batteries Regulation) to maintain market access and competitiveness.
Scientific novelty. The scientific contribution lies in summarizing the systemic challenges of implementing national waste management legislation in line with the requirements of EU directives.
Practical value. The study identifies the institutional support needed to transform industrial and production practices toward sustainable development and efficient resource use.