Energy Ministers of 27 EU Countries and NATO to Meet in Brussels to Discuss Situation in Ukraine

European Union energy ministers will meet in Brussels to review Ukraine's priority needs to maintain the country's energy security. Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko will take part in the meeting.

This was announced on Monday, 15 April, in Brussels before the start of a two-day informal meeting of European officials by Belgian Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straten, Ukrinform reports.

"Europe must continue to support Ukraine. We have already done a lot for this, but we have to do more to have decentralised production facilities and electricity generation capabilities as soon as possible. Herman Galushchenko will join us and we will hear what Ukraine's top priorities are," the minister said.

She noted that energy has turned from a purely economic issue into a geopolitical and security issue, which is why this "portfolio" concerns not only energy ministers but also government officials responsible for the economy and security sector.

The 27 ministers will have a separate business lunch with NATO representatives, as the Alliance plays an important role in maintaining the security of critical energy infrastructure, and cooperation with NATO on energy security issues, according to the minister, "is absolutely essential."

The two-day meeting of European ministers will also be attended by representatives of the European Investment Bank.

This meeting will provide European ministers with an opportunity to look to the future of European energy and convey key messages on its development to the next European Commission, which will be formed following the European elections in June this year.