Possibility of building wind turbines in the Carpathians (amendment #1)

In the Carpathians, construction of wind turbines is taking place on alpine meadows (polonynas). This activity is linked, among others, to former Party of Regions member and ex-MP Maksym Yefimov, who is associated with the company “Vitroparky Ukraine” (Wind Parks Ukraine).

A controversial amendment was introduced into draft law #13174, which concerns the protection of land rights for owners of real estate destroyed as a result of hostilities. This amendment may serve the interests of this business. It was reportedly lobbied by two Members of Parliament—former colleague of Yefimov, Antonina Slavitska (elected from the banned Opposition Platform — For Life party), and Olena Shuliak, head of the “Servant of the People” party.

At the time the amendment was being considered, construction of wind turbines had already begun in the Carpathians, including the installation of foundations on Polonyna Runa. Despite a suspended environmental impact assessment procedure, public outcry, and criminal proceedings related to deforestation of primeval forests, the works continued. Adoption of the controversial amendment would have effectively enabled the transition to full installation of wind turbines.

A number of civil society organizations, including the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group and Holka, opposed the amendment. During parliamentary consideration of the legislative initiative, MP Nataliia Pipa put the amendment to a confirmation vote, where it received 225 votes. It fell short by just one vote and was therefore not adopted.

Bill information page on the website of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.