On 19 May 2016, the Parliament of Ukraine once again considered the draft law “On Environmental Impact Assessment” 2009-d of 06/03/2015. Despite enormous efforts of the leadership of the Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of Ukraine, the Committee on environmental policy for the adoption of the draft law in the first reading, only two votes lacked.
The question is the following: are the deputies ready to adopt European integration laws or compliance with international obligations remains only in words? Is big business ready to follow European integration standards and transparent mechanisms or they are satisfied with the chaos and corruption that now thrive?
Petro Poroshenko’s Block, unfortunately, is just speaking. The same is about Viktor Pynzenyk, who without figuring out the mechanism of environmental impact assessment and calling it “environmental expertise” that is actually cancelled by the law, sees environmental impact assessment as just an obstacle for business functioning. Is it just personal position of Viktor Pynzenyk, who was the only MP who voted against, or is this the position of the whole Petro Poroshenko’s Block Block, majority of which voted for other laws but turned their backs on the first in the package of the European integration laws the law on environmental impact assessment that was voted on the Europe Day in Ukraine.
In fact we are really sorry that Petro Poroshenko’s Block actually blocked the draft law on environmental impact assessment because despite their presence in the Parliament, 30 members of this block did not vote for the draft law. Interestingly, even the son of the President did not vote for the draft law. Majority of deputies who are in some way related to the industrial lobby did not vote either. In particular, representatives of the agricultural business did not vote. This situation makes it obvious what true interests various groups pursue – whether they care about European integration or about their personal business interests. But do deputies really speak for interests of the state and business because business structures were involved into the draft law development and commenting? Environmental impact assessment not only opens the way for Ukraine’s environmental integration into the EU but will also enforce compliance with requirements of the Energy Community. It aims to create fair and transparent conditions for business activity, ensuring at the same time the interests of the community and the state. This, in turn, will attract investment and promote development of modern business in new Ukraine, not just in offshore. Any business understands that it is better to calculate risks and consequences before undertaking some activity than to be swallowed by corruption and arbitrariness of officials.
It is a pity that Liashko’s Block that claims to be fighting with oligarchs allowed Petro Poroshenko’s Block to block such an important draft law.
The draft law on environmental impact assessment is aimed at ensuring environmental safety, environmental protection, rational use and restoration of natural resources. Now when the society has problems with scarcity of drinking water, industrial pollution of air, soils and water, global warming, floods, deforestation, uncontrolled management of hazardous waste, business has neither moral nor legal right not to support this draft law”, says director general of “Ave-Lviv” Ltd. Oleh Hayovyshyn. We are obliged to ensure the possibility for our children and grandchildren to bathe in clean rivers, to breath clean air, says Mr. Hayovyshyn. Environmental impact assessment exists in majority of developed European countries that care about health of their citizens and preservation of environment for future generations. This draft law should be the top obligation of Ukraine to the EU according to the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement in the sphere of environmental protection. Ukraine is moving forward towards European integration and I cannot see any other way, – summaries Oleh Hayovyshyn.
Is the President and the leading party able to lead Ukraine towards Europe or personal interests will become a hindrance for guaranteeing environmental safety according to the Constitution of Ukraine and ensuring stable favorable conditions for business and human life? Are they able to care about healthy environment for our children instead of caring just about their own interests?
