In its report on the implementation of the Association Agreement in Ukraine, the EU outlined progress in reforms, including in energy efficiency and low-carbon development.

"The Law of Ukraine "On Energy Efficiency", aimed at transposing the main provisions of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and the Ecodesign Directive, was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and entered into force in November 2021. The quality of this law was significantly improved in dialogue with the European Commission and EU experts," the report states.

It should be mentioned that thanks to this Law, Ukraine has completely abandoned outdated administrative energy-saving tools and is moving to modern European practices of energy efficiency policy implementation.

In particular, to implement the Law "On Energy Efficiency", the State Agency on  Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine (SAEE) is already working on:

• introducing energy audit and energy management systems;

• introducing national energy efficiency monitoring system;

• further development of the ESCO-mechanism;

• introducing eco-design and energy labeling for energy-consuming products;

• developing  local energy planning;

• ensuring a steady increase in the energy efficiency of the final energy consumption with the establishment of a target indicator of the annual reduction of energy consumption, etc.

“Despite the challenges, including those coming from Russia, Ukraine has taken important steps in implementing the Association Agreement. The reforms undertaken to date in this framework allow Ukraine to embark with confidence on the new phase of its relations with the EU following the decision of the European Council on Ukraine's candidate country status”, said the Vice President of the European Commission, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

Among other reforms, the report noted the joining of the Ukrainian energy grid to the Continental European Network CEN, adoption of the updated Nationally Defined Contribution to the Paris Agreement and National Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change.

For reference:

The report covers the period from December 1, 2020 to the beginning of Russia's military aggression on February 24, 2022.

Link: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Association%20Implementation%20Report%20on%20Ukraine%20-%20Joint%20staff%20working%20document.pdf

Communication and Public Relations Department