Volodymyr Kistion: Ukraine needs Energy Strategy since energy is the basis of the economy

The draft Energy Strategy of Ukraine until 2035 needs to be improved taking into account the results of public debate and then submitted for consideration by the Government.

This was stressed by Vice Prime Minister Volodymyr Kistion at the time of considering of the draft Strategy being presented at a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Fuel and Energy Complex, Nuclear Policy and Nuclear Safety.

"Last year, on commission of Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman there was resumed work on elaborating and improving the energy strategy. A principled stand is Ukraine needs the energy strategy. Energy is the backbone of the economy. This is the basis for the development of our gross domestic product, it means economic growth, budget revenues, the quality of life of our citizens. Therefore, we are laying the foundation not just for the development of one industry, but, in fact, for the development of the entire state," stressed Volodymyr Kistion.

The Vice Prime Minister accentuated that the goal of the strategy is energy independence of our state. However, he noted that the Energy Strategy should be a fundamental document that would take into account the changes that had occurred in Ukraine lately, the prospects for the development of different energy sectors, the introduction of energy saving technologies, energy efficiency, as well as the commitments assumed by Ukraine in the framework of the European integration processes.

Volodymyr Kistion also noted that the draft Strategy is in open access on the website of the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry, and urged everyone to participate in the discussion with an aim to improve that.

"Everyone should engage in the discussion of the Strategy: the Government, the MPs, experts and the international community. And only joining efforts we can make an efficient strategic document on which the success of our state depends", summed up the Vice Prime Minister.