The European Union has declared its readiness to support Ukraine in reforming the coal industry
the European Union delegation to Ukraine, expressed readiness to support the country in reforming the coal industry. This was discussed during the first meeting the acting Minister of energy Olga Buslovich head of the EU delegation to Ukraine Matti Maasikas told in a press-service of the Ministry.
Olga Buslovich told that, in addition to solve the current problems of the coal industry, the Ministry begin to develop the concept of its reform.
"we Have a strategic global challenge - to transform and reform the coal industry, to determine the further destiny of state mining enterprises. More important issue is the reform of the mines in the "company towns" where the population is completely dependent on their work. We need to put people's interests first and to ensure energy security of the country. We want to use the experience of European and other countries that have managed successfully to solve similar problems," - said the acting Minister, adding that negotiations in this matter with Germany, the world Bank and other international partners.
Matti Maasikas assured the representatives of the Ministry that the EU mission ready to meet to discuss problematic issues in Ukraine and provide support for the success of the reform.
Recall that in the European Union at the end of last year adopted a program of complete abstinence from coal electricity generation in favour of more environmentally friendly programs. About 18 countries of the European continent plans to stop the mining and burning of coal and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
the shift away from coal is an important step of the EU to fight global warming, because it is the dirtiest fuel. According to open sources, Germany is preparing to abandon the consumption of coal in the year 2038; the UK - by 2025, France to 2022; Greece - until 2028; Hungary till 2030. Also refused to develop the coal industry in Japan, Portugal and the Netherlands.
it is Difficult to say what kind of assistance to reforming of the Ukrainian coal industry can deny the staunchest opponents of coal use in all sectors of the economy. During the world economic forum in Davos the President of the International business Association (Germany) Joe Kaiser urged Ukraine to move to renewables and away from coal by 2030 to reduce emissions, accelerate decarbonization and preservation of health of citizens.
According to Chairman of Independent trade Union of miners of Ukraine Mikhail Volynets, recently taking place the peaceful protest of workers of coal mines "of Moregroupware", "Dobropolyeugol", "SelidovUgol" and other mines. The miners demand from the President of the government of the urgent issues of the industry: the withdrawal of companies from idle, the return of thousands of people for jobs, payment of salary arrears, the restoration of the market for domestic coal.
Previously, coalsalesthat Minamaneho the country begins reform of the coal industry, which will no longer loss-making enterprises. The Ministry will work submitted by the Directors of mines programs and proposals, which will then form the basis for the Concept of reforming the coal industry of Ukraine.
Elimination of unprofitable state mines was named a priority of the decree of the President Zelensky dated November 8, 2019 № 837 "On urgent measures to reform and strengthen the state." In particular, it is proposed that the preparatory activities and the privatization of promising coal mines and restructuring (conservation) unpromising coal mines.