The Ministry of Climate’s water projects LIFE IP CleanEST and LIFE SIP WetEST, together with their partners, visited Ukraine to share experience and exchange practices with local water sector experts from the LIFE U SPRINGBOARD project.

In Lviv, a seminar took place at the Lviv Bureau of European Integration, bringing together water sector experts and practitioners from across Ukraine. Discussions focused on water supply and wastewater management, infrastructure, financing, and the implementation of European Union requirements. Estonia’s experience—from wastewater treatment plant operations to sector financing and reforms—provided a strong point of reference for Ukrainian colleagues.

The following day, visits continued to the towns of Horodok and Zolochiv in Lviv Oblast, where mayors welcomed the delegation and introduced local wastewater infrastructure. Both new developments and aging systems in urgent need of modernization were observed, from deep boreholes to pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants.

One key message stood out: although a large share of the country’s resources is currently directed towards the war effort, every effort is being made to ensure that daily life continues and that essential services such as drinking water supply and wastewater management keep improving.

Ukrainian water utilities operate under challenging conditions, often facing labor shortages, with women and older workers replacing men who have gone to the front. Infrastructure requires significant investment, while energy prices are rising and funding remains limited. Despite this, progress continues—new projects are being developed, systems are being upgraded, and the first river basin management plans are being implemented.

This visit served as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange. Ukraine’s water sector faces immense challenges, but their determination to keep society functioning and to look toward the future is just as strong.