Meeting on the margins of today’s Energy Council, representatives of the EU and G7+, or ‘Energy Ramstein’, expressed their unwavering support to Ukraine against the backdrop of continued Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. They reiterated their solidarity and continued commitment to support Ukraine and Moldova as they build robust, resilient and reliable energy systems on their path to EU accession.
In the meeting, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal debriefed on the extent of damage and reiterated Ukraine’s call for immediate and long-term support.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing said:
‘With its continuous attacks on critical energy infrastructure, Putin is trying to leave millions of Ukrainians in the dark and cold, with an impact on Moldova’s energy system, too. This winter, once again, both Ukraine and Moldova demonstrated their resilience in the face of aggression and manipulation. Our latest Winter Energy Plan will help Ukraine get through this winter and start preparing for the next one with a stronger system. But support is constantly needed, and we need to stand by them for as long as it takes. Ukraine’s and Moldova’s energy security is part and parcel of Europe’s energy security.’
Ukraine has faced relentless Russian attacks on power plants, transmission lines and sub-stations, resulting in blackouts and disruptions in supply. Moldova has also continued to face pressure on its energy system, from price manipulation to supply disruption.
Earlier in the day, the Commission and EU energy ministers reaffirmed their cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova to ensure resilience of their energy systems.
In recent months, G7+ partners have stepped up their support, delivering critical air defence systems, high-voltage transformers and supplies for emergency repairs during Ukraine’s harshest winter in over a decade. In parallel, the EU and global donors have fast-tracked the delivery of generators and humanitarian assistance.
During her visit to Kyiv with Commissioner Jørgensen on 24 February, President Ursula von der Leyen pledged another €100 million for emergency generators and humanitarian aid, alongside a new Winter Energy Plan worth €920 million to ‘Repair, Rebuild, Restart’ Ukraine’s energy networks, expanding decentralised energy generation, heat supply, improving energy efficiency and strengthening grids. In turn, the EU’s own energy resilience can be further reinforced thanks to the potential of renewable energy in Ukraine and Moldova.
Background
The G7+ Ukraine Energy Support Group, so-called ‘Energy Ramstein’ was set up in 2022 by the G7 to coordinate support to its critical energy and water infrastructure. It consists of G7 and a further 16 countries across the globe, together with international financial institutions and other international bodies. The EU co-chairs the group together with the G7 Presidency, currently held by France.