Environmental challenges and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the EU: prospects for sustainable development

The article is dedicated to analyzing the cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union, which began with the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in 1994 and reached a new level after the signing of the Association Agreement in 2014. The focus is on the impact of this agreement on Ukraine’s domestic and foreign policies, particularly in the context of sustainable development and ensuring environmental security. The article examines the role of international agreements in regulating Ukraine’s environmental policy, particularly the principles of preventive measures and the use of natural resources within the framework of sustainable development. Despite the formal incorporation of relevant provisions in international treaties, the real situation regarding environmental security remains challenging due to the conflict between the economic interests of developed countries and transnational corporations and the demands of environmental protection. The article separately addresses the influence of international law on the development of Ukraine’s energy policy and its integration into the pan-European energy space. The importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources and the role of the European Union in financing and supporting such projects are analyzed. It is noted that sustainable development and environmental protection should become priorities within the framework of Ukraine’s energy security policy. The article also outlines the main challenges Ukraine faces in the context of international environmental security, particularly the insufficient effectiveness of international organizations in recognizing and counteracting environmental crimes. Despite this, the importance of cooperation with the EU to achieve a stable deceleration of environmental degradation is emphasized.