The Environment Committee discussed environmental protection with Ukrainian counterparts

At the meeting, Chairman of the Environment Committee of the Riigikogu Igor Taro expressed readiness to cooperate on environmental and nature conservation issues that are of interest to Ukraine.

Taro pointed out that it was important to claim compensation for the environmental damage caused to Ukraine by Russia’s aggression. “In addition to the loss of human life and destruction, Russia’s aggression is causing enormous damage to the environment, which must be compensated, and the aggressor must be held accountable for its crimes. Estonia is ready to share its experience in calculating the environmental damage caused by the Soviet occupation. We can also share our experience in adopting environmental legislation as a member of the European Union,” Taro said.

At the meeting, the Ukrainian delegation wished to hear about the experience of the Environment Committee of the Riigikogu in the application of EU law in the field of environment protection and civil protection, and the challenges connected with it, as well as about the organisation of waste management, the protection of forest resources, the establishment of national parks and the management of natural resources.

President of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar also met with the representatives of the Ukrainian parliamentary committee. He affirmed Estonia’s strong support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia that was continuing a war of aggression.

He said that yesterday the Riigikogu had passed the next year’s state budget, where nearly 100 million euros had been allocated to supporting Ukraine, and Estonia would continue providing military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of at least 0.25 per cent of GDP also in the coming years. “We are working to encourage our allies and partners to increase their support to Ukraine. We also support the tightening of sanctions against Russia,” said Hussar, who also expressed strong support for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and NATO.

Three-member delegation of the Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management of the Verkhovna Rada that is headed by Deputy Chair of the Committee Olena Kryvoruchkina is on a visit to Estonia since Tuesday. At the Riigikogu, they also had meetings with the members of the National Defence Committee and the Estonia-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group. The Ukrainian delegation will also meet with Minister of Climate Yoko Alender and Director General of the Estonian Rescue Board Margo Klaos.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
gunnar.paal@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Environment Committee discussed environmental protection with Ukrainian counterparts

Source: Parliament of Estonia