REUTERS
The European Union will continue to provide financial support to Ukraine in the field of energy efficiency by investing in a specially created for this purpose Fund, which should start working in 2018, Head of press and communication of EU Delegation to Ukraine Jurgis Vilcinskas told journalists.
Ukraine has already achieved some progress in terms of energy efficiency. The official noted important laws adopted this summer, such as the Law on the Energy Efficiency Fund and the Law on Energy Efficiency of Buildings, according to the official.
The legislative framework has already been shaped, Vilcinskas said, adding that it is now necessary to move on to concrete steps and concrete investment.
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Vilcinskas also noted that investments in energy efficiency would increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian business.
He said that Ukraine remained a priority country for the European Union, the major sponsor of Ukraine reforms, as well as the country's largest donor.
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The draft budget for 2018 stipulates that the total volume of investment in energy efficiency programs will amount to UAH 1.6 billion, of which UAH 400 million will be allocated for the so-called "warm" loans program provided for improving energy efficiency of households, while the rest UAH 1.2 billion will be channeled to the Energy Efficiency Fund. The German government and the European Commission will provide part of the funds.