‘We are interested in Germany’s support for opening negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU already this year,’ Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze

The parties discussed the urgent and long-term recovery of Ukraine. Attention was drawn to the fact that it is necessary to separate urgent needs for relief, which require immediate investments (for example, in the energy sector and construction of temporary housing), from long-term needs, which will be associated with the recovery of Ukraine in the medium and long-term perspective.

The Chair of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU emphasised the importance of urgent restoration of the energy system. ‘We need to prepare for the new heating season, as Russia has not given up the idea not only to destroy Ukraine, but also to freeze our citizens. Therefore, it is now necessary to prioritise the reconstruction of the damaged and destroyed energy system. It is necessary to quickly restore these capacities, including thermal energy. But at the same time, it should be taken into account that Ukraine declared its aspiration for joining the European Green Agreement in the future. So, it should focus on renewable energy and the overall recovery of the country should be green,’ Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze said.

She thanked Germany for its support in joining Ukraine to the ENTSO-E system — the European network of operators of the electricity transmission system, which unites 43 operators in 39 countries of the European continent. She emphasised that the possibility to import and export electricity is important for Ukraine. Exports can ensure budget revenues, so Ukraine will need less financing from partner countries. The Chair of the Committee also noted that within the framework of bilateral cooperation with Germany, it is necessary to ensure that the funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine are allocated considering the needs of the communities affected by the war: ‘We must encourage horizontal ties and provide immediate direct assistance from our partners to the affected cities and communities. This should contribute to increasing transparency and accountability. We understand, how important these tasks are.’

The Chair of the Committee also thanked Germany for its support in granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership. ‘We are interested in Germany’s support and promotion for opening of negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU already this year,’ noted Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze. She is convinced that the membership negotiations should be accompanied by serious and active involvement and attention of European partners. ‘Obviously, the role of the parliament here should be a key. We also understand that we must keep in focus all issues of recovery and the reform agenda. I am very glad that the London conference on recovery, which is being prepared, will include plans and expectations from Ukraine in combination with real transformation of the society and the country in accordance with the reform agenda,’ concluded the Chair of the Committee.