The panel discussion was moderated by Igor Yakovlev, Advisor to the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, who presented the participants the draft Concept of the state supervision system reform in the sphere of environmental protection in Ukraine.

In the discussion of the draft Concept took part the representatives of industrial enterprises, regional bodies of State Environmental Inspection, business associations and NGOs.

The participants paid special attention to the introduction of deregulation tools such as:

• Abolition of routine checks for small and medium-sized businesses;
• Transition from a total control system to a system of monitoring and preventing violations of environmental legislation;
• Launching an automated, open-registry system of mineral resources users and hazardous industries;
• Introduction of online declaration of compliance with environmental legislation;
• Cancellation of environmental control in the Customs border zone;
• Transparency of information on the results of the state environmental supervision.

"Reforming the state environmental supervision system is inextricably linked with the introduction of integrated permits for pollution and environmental audit system reforms. In general, the reform process should radically change the existing permit system, adapting it to EU standards. The reform envisages the creation of a single integrated public authority for environmental supervision and monitoring - the State Environmental Service of Ukraine," said the moderator of the discussion.

In general, the presented draft concept was supported and approved by the participants as a necessary tool for the transition from inefficient total environmental control system to the system of preventing violations of environmental legislation, reducing environmental risks and environmental monitoring.

Following the meeting, it was decided to prepare a resolution with conclusions and rationale for the adoption of the draft Concept and forward it to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine for approval.