European and national energy experts discussed the achievements and tasks of Ukrainian energy diplomacy

On April 25, 2017 at the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv  a round table on “Energy diplomacy: what does this mean for Ukraine” was held. iC consulenten is acting as an implementing partner of Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute  to undertake this project in Ukraine funded by the US and Bulgarian governments, aiming to support initiatives, related to energy security and energy diversification of the Western Balkan countries, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Armenia.

The best Bulgarian and Ukrainian energy policy experts gathered to discuss the policy and legislative framework in Ukraine and its align with the EU energy policy, national and regional challenges ahead the implementation of the EU energy policy at national level, as well as the role of the business and the civil society for achieving common European goals in the energy field.

Elena Rybak, Managing Director of iC consulenten Ukraine was the moderator of the round table. “We are happy to support the events of such format because understanding the importance of energy reforms is not only acceptance of existing situation, it is research and gathering of new information, exchange of experience and development of effective solutions.”

Slavcho Neykov, Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute Expert said at the roundtable the following: “Bulgaria is ready to share with Ukraine its experience in the field of energy policy. We have had the opportunity to participate in some energy projects for many years. Therefore, we can share both Bulgarian and European experience in the implementation of energy policy, of course, taking into account the Ukrainian specifics. ”

Mr. Neykov stressed that it is necessary to pay attention to all sectors of the industry. “Now it turns out that thinking about Ukraine, we often talk only about gas, but we forget about equally important things, e.g. oil, the development of the electricity market and another big problem such as coal. In this issue, the four EU member states unite their position – Bulgaria, Romania, Poland and Lithuania. It should be noted that not only diplomats but also business take part in the discussion of these issues”, Mr. Neykov noted.

Continuing talking about the topic of energy diplomacy, Svetlana Golikova, TransEnergoConsulting director, member of the Strategic Council of KERI noted that Ukraine needs to create a coordination center to develop energy diplomacy as soon as possible. “I believe that we should follow the example of our partners from Bulgaria and continue to work to create a coordination center that would deal specifically with the development of energy diplomacy in Ukraine,” Golikova said.

The expert also drew attention to the importance of energy diplomacy in Ukraine, taking into account development of energy market, energy interconnection, economy and environment, as well as the need to regulate the political influence of energy on energy system itself, on the market and on power.

Mykhailo Bno-Airiian, Director for communications and international cooperation of Ukrenergo, former advisor to Minister of Foreign Affairs, former Director general for strategic planning and Eurointegration of Ministry of energy and coal industry, offered his own vision to implement diplomatic relations in energy sector. Describing possible structure of governmental bodies that could have implementing function in the sphere of energy diplomacy, he noted that all governmental bodies, in particular, the Administration of the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, should be involved. “It is obligatory”, Mikhail said. “Participation of energy companies – private and public – should take place. Without them, nothing will happen”.

During the discussion, many interesting thoughts and ideas were expressed. Experts came to a conclusion that energy diplomacy in Ukraine should be. We are moving in the right direction, we encounter many obstacles on our way, but the incredible potential that Ukraine possesses, as well as international support, will contribute to achieve successes in this direction.