Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as part of a working trip to Donetsk region on August 30 together with acting Minister of Energy Olha Buslavets visited Kramatorsk, where he congratulated coal workers on their professional holiday.

"Your profession is one of the most dangerous and at the same time one of the most honored in the world. It is not for nothing that you are bestowed with orders and medals, because it is challenge to descend into the mine everyday," Denys Shmyhal emphasized.

According to the PM, the coal industry is one of the important components of the fuel and energy complex of Ukraine. In the coming years, the Ukrainian economy and energy sector will need coal, as it is the main energy resource for thermal generation, which plays an important role in balancing the energy system. "We highly appreciate the work of miners, courageous and hardy people, professionals who demonstrate responsibility and synergy in carrying out the tasks. We thank each of you for your dedicated work, " the Head of Government stressed.

Denys Shmyhal underscored that the coal industry undoubtedly needs reforms and new approaches to management.

"Numerous meetings with mine workers have demonstrated our joint readiness to make changes in order to comprehensively address the problems of the coal industry. European working conditions and safety, decent wages, break-even operation of coal enterprises are the guidelines for our further joint work," the Prime Minister stated.

The PM also noted that the development of the Concept and the National Program for Fair Transformation of Coal Regions, the implementation of a pilot project for the transformation of coal mines are the steps designed to bring the coal industry out of the crisis.

"The Government will put in practice all these steps to improve the situation in the mining industry. For our part, we are already doing everything possible to avoid wage arrears, as it was in previous years. This issue is under personal supervision of the President," the Head of Government said.

At the end of the meeting the Prime Minister awarded 12 employees of coal mining enterprises of Donetsk region with diplomas and valuable gifts.