The Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Kistion discussed the draft updated plan for reforming the Ukrainian gas sector with Janez Kopač Director of the Energy Community Secretariat.

The document has been brought up to date, proceeding from the new tasks that Ukraine should fulfill in order to bring the energy market in compliance with rules adopted in Europe. Apart from that, the majority of the tasks, which were singled out two years ago, have been completed. Therefore, there is an urgent need to update and shape a future blueprint aimed to reform the Ukrainian gas market.

«The plan was developed in close cooperation between the Government’s representatives and the Energy Community Secretariat. The collaboration with European partners has become a good tradition to hold meeings in Ukraine and to discuss substantively each item of the document in order to get the desired result after all», emphasized Volodymyr Kistion.

According to the Vice Prime Minister, the updated plan for reforming the Ukrainian gas sector stipulates for transparent as well as step-by-step measures designed to modernize the gas transportation system, preparation for housing subsidy monetization, ensuring functioning of underground gas storages in line with the Third Energy Package, etc.

Moreover, Volodymyr Kistion and Janez Kopač decided to "synchronize their watches" regarding the issue of the unbundling and touched upon the reform of key state-owned holding the Naftogaz of Ukraine.

The conversation also involved the implementation of the law of Ukraine "On the Electricity Market" which came into force last month. The Vice Prime Minister revealed plans to establish the Coordinating center for electricity market liberalization and adaptation of the regulatory framework within the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine as well as the Project office for the introduction of a new model of the electricity market under the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine designed to coordinate the implementation of the said law.

In his turn, the Director of the Energy Community Secretariat pledged readiness to assist the Government in further developing of decisions that will bring the Ukrainian gas market closer to the European norms and rules.