Ukraine and the European Union have agreed to hold negotiations on the transit of  gas to European consumers in the trilateral format - with the participation of Russia. At the same time, Ukraine will take firm and responsible  position in these negotiations. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during a meeting with Vice President of the European Commission for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič.

"We have agreed to conduct gas transit negotiations in the trilateral format of the EU-Ukraine-Russia. Ukraine will take a responsible and firm stance," Volodymyr Groysman stated.

The Head of Government stressed that Ukrainian gas transmission system is a solid alternative to Nord Stream 2, which is mostly part of a political project and is a threat to European energy security. The parties have agreed to coordinate positions on using the Ukrainian GTS on  mutually beneficial conditions.

The parties also touched upon the integration of Ukraine's unified power grids into the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E). The Prime Minister emphasized that the unification of those networks could set a good example for cooperation in other areas. Energy cooperation could be discussed at a meeting of the Coordination Council on the Implementation of Reforms in the Fuel and Energy Sector, which was set up under the Government. The Council is composed of leading experts in the energy market and representatives of international partner organizations. The agenda of the Council encapsulates issues pertaining to reform of Naftogaz and further development of the energy policy of Ukraine.