EU, U.S. to help Ukraine, Moldova strengthen and develop energy sector - statement
BRUSSELS. April 4 (Interfax) - The EU-U.S. Energy Council, which met in Brussels on Tuesday, has pledged further support for Ukrainian and Moldovan integration into the European Union, including in all energy sectors.
"We want to support Ukraine in rebuilding green energy systems. Green energy transition and energy security for our direct neighbors - Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans - are key issues for us," Council Co-Chair, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said at the meeting.
"Following the successful synchronization of Ukraine and Moldova with the EU electricity grid, the council intends to continue to support Ukraine's rapid recovery and reconstruction, and support both Ukraine and Moldova by assisting with their long-term economic and clean energy transition," the statement said.
"The council continues to support both countries' integration with the EU across all energy sectors, including through accelerating the development of energy infrastructure and interconnections. The council welcomed Ukraine's and Moldova's reform efforts towards meeting the objectives underpinning their candidate status for EU membership, and encouraged the countries to continue on this path, notably by ensuring that institutions in the energy sector are transparent, robust, and independent," it said.
According to the statement, the EU member states and the United States will continue to provide "emergency energy assistance" to Ukraine and Moldova via support forums established in 2022, among them the G7+ coordination forum and the International Energy Advisory Council for Ukraine.
The Council has acknowledged the important contribution of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, established by the Energy Community Secretariat, and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism coordinated by the European Commission in the provision of effective and targeted support for countering attacks on critical energy infrastructure.