Ukraine and EU discuss further steps towards energy cooperation in Brussels

On 29-30 January 2015, Deputy Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Ihor Didenko was for a working visit in Brussels to participate in broad consultations on Ukraine - EU energy cooperation at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy. The delegation also included representatives of NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy and JSC Ukrtransgaz.

During the consultations the sides discussed the implementation of agreements reached following consultations in the Ukraine - EU - Russia format on the so-called "winter package" of Russian gas supplies to Ukraine and prospects of launching consultations in the Ukraine - EU - Russia format on the so-called "summer package".

Ihor Didenko informed about reforms of the gas market in Ukraine in accordance to the EU energy legislation and stressed that Ukraine remains a reliable partner of the EU as well as transporter of natural gas to the EU member states.

The parties also paid significant attention to the issues on attracting investment from the EU to the Ukrainian gas transportation system, which will increase the energy security of Ukraine and the EU. Ihor Didenko emphasized the need for further cooperation with the EU in the joint modernization and operation of the Ukrainian gas transportation system and attracting European companies to use underground gas storage facilities in Ukraine.

The EU side stressed the important role of Ukraine in ensuring the energy security of Europe and expressed its readiness to further facilitate the resolution of issues regarding natural gas reverse supply to Ukraine from the territory of the Member States.

In the framework of the visit, the Deputy Minister also met with MEPs, including members of the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and leadership of the Support Group for Ukraine.