On 16 June 2022, the Governing Board of the International Energy Agency unanimously agreed on inviting Ukraine to join the EIA as the associated country, in recognition of its unique and unprecedented situation.

We deeply appreciate the support of Director Faith Birol for Ukraine. I am grateful that the IEA provides Ukraine with technical and analytical support from the onset of the Russian invasion and evaluates the potential opportunities for further strengthening of bilateral relations

– said the Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa.

In the opinion of the Head of the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Ukraine deserves any and each form of support for its heroic fight to defend its territorial integrity and independence. By doing so, Ukraine defends our common European values, such as freedom and democracy.

Ukraine needs a deep reorganisation of the energy supplies and support in the reform of energy infrastructure to satisfy the energy needs of its society and economy. Our role in this area, as the member states of the International Energy Agency – the most powerful international energy organisation – is of the utmost importance. We must make all efforts to support Ukraine in these changes and maintaining the energy security

– she noted.

According to the Minister of Climate and Environment, Poland has supported Ukraine from the very onset of the Russian invasion. We help both in the humanitarian issues and support the economic needs. Strengthening of business relations and providing fuel supplies under the commercial contracts made by the key Polish companies address the energy needs of Ukraine.

We have been already planning active support for Ukraine in its recovery. We are ready to provide this support. I am speaking this on behalf of my subordinate bodies having the experts and equipment that may assist Ukraine in this process

– explained Minister Anna Moskwa.

We stay in continuous contact with the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy and monitor the situation in Ukraine. I am glad that the forum of the International Energy Agency becomes today an additional area of our cooperation. In this situation, the whole world needs to demonstrate its unique solidarity. We cannot allow for any exceptions to our unity in supporting Ukraine and counteracting the Russian aggression

– she stressed.

Anna Moskwa, Minister of Climate and Environment, pointed also out that the decision of the European Council on granting Ukraine the EU candidate status made in June this year results from the remarkable determination of this country on its way towards the united Europe, regretfully paid for with blood.

Ukraine faces the challenge of adapting to the standards, rules and principles of the European Union. Poland is ready to support Ukraine in the harmonisation process and share its experiences. I believe that the today’s signing of the association documents with the International Energy Agency will contribute to delivery of the integration objectives

– said the Minister.

The Executive Director of IEA, Fatih Birol, pointed out that the world is now in the middle of a truly global energy crisis.

After Russia attacked Ukraine on 24 February, no one can be deluded in respect of the risks related to the Russian energy supplies. In a week after the invasion, the IEA presented the ten-point plan aimed at reducing the demand for oil and gas. The plan emphasises the need for maximisation of supplies of the energy resources from the other sources, development of RES and nuclear energy and increasing the energy efficiency in households and companies. We must save energy as much as possible. This will be the test of the European solidarity

– he said.