Charting the Green Path: Empirical Insights into Eu-Ukraine Environmental Convergence

Abstract

The aim of the study is to conduct an empirical analysis of environmental convergence between the EU and Ukraine. This involves evaluating a set of indicators, identifying clusters of EU and Ukrainian countries to obtain adequate empirical estimates, and directly assessing not only the convergence process but also other patterns of environmental and economic development. Methodology. In addition to the classical models of beta, sigma, gamma and delta convergence, the study of environmental convergence should apply methods that focus on the growth process and the increase in the level of economic development of less developed countries, rather than simply on the reduction of development disparities. Such methods should emphasise the importance of efforts and policies aimed at bringing countries closer together and creating favourable conditions for their growth towards higher levels of development. The authors use the concept of upward convergence (divergence). The empirical analysis of environmental convergence between the EU and Ukraine was conducted for the period 2000–2021, divided into two sub-periods: 2000–2013 and 2014–2021, in order to identify trends in the Russian military invasion in 2014 and its impact on environmental and economic convergence during the war. Results. Studies of different types of convergence between Ukraine and the EU show different results: some indicators indicate convergence, while others show divergence. In fact, the interaction between Ukraine and the EU is a complex process that manifests itself differently depending on the specific indicators. Some aspects of cooperation are already leading to convergence and similarity between the countries, while others are leading to divergence. This demonstrates the need to implement effective strategies and policies of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU to achieve sustainable development. Practical implications. The results obtained can be used to develop environmental policies, commitments, forms of manifestation and main consequences for the ecological and economic system of Ukraine in the context of the Association Agreement and the European Green Deal. The fulfilment of obligations under these initiatives should become the basis for developing effective means of ensuring sustainable development through the implementation of the relevant state environmental and economic policy. Value/originality. The advantage of the proposed approach is that it takes into account negative growth, including environmental pollution. The results of the upward convergence assessment serve as a basis for the development of appropriate strategies, mechanisms, policies, effective governance, investment in human capital and infrastructure, and the creation of favourable conditions for entrepreneurship and innovation.