EC steps up support for Ukraine’s energy security
The European Commission (EC) offered on February 24 a new support package to Ukraine to secure its energy system and enable its full integration within the European energy market, the EC said.
The announcement came on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The EC said that this package will allow for the full coupling of Ukraine’s electricity market with the EU by early 2027, together with Moldova, as well as further integration in the EU gas sector, provided that Ukraine significantly accelerates the necessary market reforms.
It will also boost the security of supply in Ukraine and the wider region, as the Commission will assist with the necessary purchases of gas.
Crucially, with a massive acceleration of domestic renewable power production, this package will increase the overall resilience of the Ukrainian energy system, the EC said.
“Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure has been the target of relentless Russian attacks over the past three years, with half of the country’s energy infrastructure destroyed,” the statement said.
“Only a fully independent energy system can shield Ukraine from current attacks and future pressure.”
The EC said that Ukraine’s full integration with the EU energy market will act as part of the overall security guarantees the EU can provide, as well as an effective pre-condition for reconstruction as energy security is key to allow for investments to flow across the country.
EC President Ursula von der Leyen said: “For three years, Russia has sought to plunge Ukraine into darkness by relentlessly targeting the energy infrastructure. This needs to stop for good.
“With the package we offer today Europe will ensure Ukraine has a resilient, secure and competitive energy system. More renewable energy and full energy markets integration will bring to greater energy security both for Ukraine and the European Union,” Von der Leyen said.
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