Sweden provides extra EUR 65 mln for sustainable waste management projects in Ukraine
Sweden has provided an additional contribution of SEK 700 million (approximately EUR 65 million) to the Nefco’s Ukraine Green Recovery Programme, these funds will be directed to sustainable waste management projects, support decentralization and accelerate the green transition, the Nefco press service reports.
Total Swedish contribution to Nefco’s Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine is after this contribution EUR 82.3 million.
This initiative brings together Nordic expertise, with Nefco, as fund manager and implementing agency, in close cooperation with Sida, SALAR International, Avfall Sverige and other Swedish institutions.
"We have been implementing energy-efficiency projects in Ukraine with support from Sweden for 20 years, and we are pleased that Sida has chosen Nefco as the fund manager to develop new initiatives and projects together with key Swedish partners, supporting a long-term green recovery in Ukraine," says Ulf Bojö, VP, Head of Nefco’s Eastern Europe department.
The common objective for the three institutions regarding strengthening of municipal waste management in Ukraine, will be to catalyse investments which will facilitate the transformation of the waste management sector of Ukraine towards inclusive and sustainable waste management services, focusing on post-war green recovery of Ukraine.
"This collaboration demonstrates Sweden’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and a greener future," comments Malin Perhult, Head of the Ukraine unit at Sida. "By combining Swedish resources and Nefco’s expertise, we aim to deliver tangible improvements in municipal services, environmental sustainability, and quality of life for Ukrainian citizens."
Sweden’s strategy for supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction for 2023-2027 identifies sustainable waste management as a key component of the country’s green transition. The strategy emphasizes Ukraine’s urgent need to organize proper handling and recycling of materials generated by the destruction of buildings and infrastructure (construction and demolition waste), as well as to modernize waste management systems through infrastructure investments accompanied by capacity-building measures and reforms.
The strategy notes that, within this tranche, coordination among various Swedish institutions will promote a synergized approach to Ukraine’s reconstruction. Waste management measures will include assessing existing infrastructure and systems, identifying gaps and opportunities, and exploring innovative mechanisms to prevent waste generation, promote reuse, and increase recycling. This will involve conducting feasibility studies and initiating investment projects aimed at modernizing systems and improving their resilience.
These activities will be implemented under the ongoing Program for Strengthening Municipal Waste Management in Ukraine, funded by Sida and executed under the guidance of SALAR International and Avfall Sverige.