Shmyhal considers establishment of cooperation within European Battery Alliance promising for Ukraine

KYIV. Dec 1 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal considers it promising for Ukraine to establish cooperation within the framework of the European Battery Alliance, the press service of the Ukrainian government said on Wednesday.

"Exploration, production and processing projects require access to additional financial instruments. Involving the capabilities of European financial institutions in projects that pose common European-Ukrainian interest in the raw materials industry could be an effective tool for achieving shared goals and initiatives," Shmyhal said following a meeting with Vice-President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight Maroš Šefčovič.

The Prime Minister also said Ukraine expects to intensify cooperation with the European Commission and EU member states on the full range of issues related to improving energy security in Europe.

"We have started the first discussions with the Commission on the business forum on energy, which will take place next year in Ukraine. Its agenda may include such issues as security of gas supply, including the study of the possibilities of using Ukraine’s underground gas storage facilities, taking into account the EU’s intentions to form a strategic gas reserve," the head of the Ukrainian government said.

Shmyhal also thanked the European Commission for the positive decision of granting Ukraine access to the working group on gas supply risks.