“Pravova derzhava”. Issue 37 (2026), pages 476–486.

DOI: 10.33663/0869-2491-2026-37-476-486

Krasilich Nataliia
The Correlation between the national ecological network and the European Natura 2000 network: Problems of аdapting Ukraine’s legislation

ISSN online: 2617-9776 print: 0869-2491

The article examines the legal, and practical aspects of the relationship between Ukraine’s national ecological network and the European ecological network Natura 2000 within the context of European integration processes. It explores the conceptual foundations and legal mechanisms for the establishment and functioning of protected areas, as well as the degree of their correspondence with the objectives of the EU environmental policy. The current state of legal regulation governing the development, management, and protection of Ukraine’s ecological network is analyzed in light of the country’s commitments under the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement.

The study identifies fundamental differences between the notions of “ecological network” and “Natura 2000,” which primarily lie in their legal status, the level of binding protection measures, management frameworks, and mechanisms of environmental impact assessment. The Ukrainian ecological network largely operates as a spatial and programmatic planning instrument, whereas Natura 2000 constitutes a legally binding mechanism ensuring species and habitat conservation through mandatory Appropriate Assessment procedures.

Special attention is given to the challenges of adapting Ukrainian legislation to EU environmental directives, particularly Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive) and Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds (Birds Directive). The article emphasizes the need to introduce a specialized environmental impact assessment procedure for ecological network elements, develop a unified register of protected areas, harmonize site selection criteria, and create an integrated geospatial database for ecological monitoring.

The implementation of the Emerald Network is considered as an interim stage toward Ukraine’s full integration into the Natura 2000 system. The article highlights the additional environmental and legal challenges caused by wartime conditions, including ecosystem degradation, loss of protected sites, and the urgent need for ecological restoration. It concludes that aligning Ukraine’s legal framework with EU standards is a key prerequisite for sustainable recovery, strengthening biodiversity protection, and enhancing environmental security in the post-war reconstruction period.

Keywords: ecological network, Natura 2000, protected areas, adaptation of law, environmental policy, European Union, Emerald Network, biodiversity, sustainable development.

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Дата першого надходження рукопису до видання: 24.11.2025
Дата прийнятого до друку рукопису після рецензування: 03.03.2026
Дата публікації: 24.03.2026