Informational Reference on the Draft Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences and the Criminal Code of Ukraine Regarding Strengthening Liability for Violations of Water Resources Protection Rules and Water Protection Zone Regimes” (No. 15462 dated 3 August 2026)
18 September 2026, 09:15
Abstract. This informational reference examines the legal grounds for strengthening administrative and criminal liability for violations of legislative requirements concerning the protection of water resources and compliance with water use rules. The analysis is conducted in the context of the proposals set out in Draft Law of Ukraine No. 15462 dated 3 August 2026.
The analysis assesses the Draft Law’s compliance with the Constitution of Ukraine, the fundamental principles of law-making, European Union environmental legislation, current legislation governing administrative and criminal liability, and the laws of Ukraine in the fields of environmental safety and environmental protection.
The analysis identifies risks that may subsequently hinder the proper implementation of the Draft Law in practice and the achievement of its stated objectives, namely ensuring effective legislative protection of Ukraine’s water resources, preventing violations of environmental legislation by individuals and officials of business entities, and aligning national legislation with EU standards in this area.
Keywords: water resources protection, water use rules, water legislation, business entities, violations of water protection rules, administrative offences, administrative liability, criminal liability, imposition of fines.
08/2026