The support of the EU member states in the process of synchronizing the Ukrainian power system with the ENTSO-E Continental Europe system was an important and necessary step that helped the Ukrainian energy sector to survive. This was stated by Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko during a joint meeting of the Government of Ukraine and the European Commission held in Kyiv on February 2, 2023, on the eve of the EU-Ukraine Summit.

‘It was on the night of February 23-24, a few hours before the start of russia’s full-scale invasion, that Ukraine was disconnected from the energy systems of russia and belarus, started working in an isolated mode, and 21 days later was synchronized with the Continental Europe system,” German Galushchenko reminded. “And we highly appreciate the launch of the electricity market between Ukraine and the EU after the synchronization of the power systems.”

The Head of the Ministry of Energy expressed hope for an increase in the volume of export-import operations, especially for an increase in imports. He also noted Ukraine’s involvement in the REPowerEU initiative.

“We are interested in active participation in joint gas purchases and creating a reserve volume of gas in our storage facilities,” said German Galushchenko.

He also emphasized that the Ukrainian side expected the high-level group on energy market integration to continue its work effectively: “Accelerated integration of the Ukrainian and European electricity and natural gas markets will help strengthen mutual energy security and help overcome EU’s dependence on russia and its fossil fuels.”

German Galushchenko also thanked the European Commission and EU member states for their support of Ukraine’s energy sector. In particular, the creation of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.

“I am confident that the Ukrainian energy sector will continue to play a significant role in the European energy security,” the Minister added.