On 16 April, the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation, composed of Andrii Herus, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services, as well as Committee members Serhii Nahorniak and Oleksandr Kyt, participated in the Parliamentary Plenum of the Energy Community held at the European Parliament.
The participation of the Ukrainian delegation demonstrated the Committee’s active role in shaping a common European energy policy and advancing Ukraine’s integration into the European Union’s single energy market.
The key topic of the Plenum was the integration of energy markets. Participants discussed accelerating the integration of Energy Community countries into the EU electricity and gas markets, in particular through the harmonisation of legislation with European Union acquis, the implementation of the Electricity Integration Package, the development of cross-border cooperation and market coupling, as well as improving the competitiveness and affordability of energy resources.
Particular attention was paid to the gas sector, including the implementation of the EU Fourth Energy Package, the development of infrastructure and interconnectors, compliance with gas storage standards and methane emission reductions, as well as preparations for the use of hydrogen and renewable gases.
Participants also discussed the gradual phase-out of imports of russian energy resources in line with the REPowerEU initiative, which envisages setting clear timelines for terminating contracts, diversifying supply sources, adapting infrastructure to new routes, as well as strengthening energy security and resilience.
It was emphasized that these processes will have a direct impact on Energy Community countries as well, particularly through changes in gas flows, supply routes, and the use of infrastructure.
The Plenum reaffirmed that Ukraine is already part of the European energy space, and its participation is an important component of Europe’s overall energy security.
The event brought together parliamentarians and high-level officials to discuss strategic issues related to the development of the energy sector.
Welcome addresses to the Plenum participants were delivered by Borys Budka, Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy of the European Parliament, Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, and Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat.
In his speech, Committee Chair Andrii Herus emphasized that Ukraine is already undergoing real integration into European energy markets. In particular, the synchronisation of the Ukrainian energy system with the European grid in 2022 demonstrated Ukraine’s capacity to be a reliable part of the EU energy system. He also stressed that Ukraine is ready to become a full-fledged part of the single European energy market now.
Participants of the Plenum underlined the key role of national parliaments in ensuring the timely implementation of EU legislation, overseeing the implementation of reforms, and maintaining political commitment to integration processes.
It was also noted that the parliamentary dimension is crucial for the irreversibility of integration, as effective legislation and its proper implementation form the basis of trust, competition, and stability in the energy market.