Following the participation of First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal in the meeting of the EU Energy Council under the Cypriot Presidency, as well as the meeting of the G7+ Energy Coordination Group in Brussels, important agreements were reached with international partners to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s energy sector. In particular, a Strategic Reserve will be established within the framework of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
“The currently available budget of the Reserve amounts to EUR 197 million. This mechanism will allow Ukrainian companies to accumulate energy equipment ahead of the next winter and use these reserves for repairs when needed,” Denys Shmyhal stated.
He also noted that financial needs for the upcoming winter have been agreed with partners, with ongoing work to ensure full coverage of these needs, estimated at EUR 5.4 billion.
During his visit to Brussels, Denys Shmyhal held a series of bilateral meetings focused on the restoration and protection of energy facilities, procurement of repair equipment, and sanctions against Russian energy resources.
Preparations for the next winter season, restoration of energy infrastructure, and mobilization of financial resources were discussed with European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen.
“Our priorities are the protection of facilities, restoration, development of distributed generation, and the creation of equipment reserves. Ukraine requires EUR 5.4 billion to meet these needs. We discussed possibilities for securing this funding,” Denys Shmyhal emphasized.
The Minister also met with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, where discussions focused on preparations for the next heating season, priority needs of the Ukrainian energy sector, and further steps within the European integration process.
He also held talks with Minister of Energy of Lithuania Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, discussing enhanced cooperation and joint energy projects, including the potential transfer of equipment from decommissioned facilities.
In addition, Denys Shmyhal met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, where the parties discussed the situation in Ukraine’s energy sector following the heating season, preparations for the next winter, and further steps to increase pressure on Russia, including expectations regarding the adoption of the EU’s 20th sanctions package.
“Thank you to the European Commission, the participating countries of the ‘Energy Ramstein’, the Energy Community Secretariat, and all donors to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, whose total contributions have already exceeded EUR 1.87 billion,” Denys Shmyhal concluded.
