European Union boosts energy security with ambitious integration plans for Ukraine, Moldova

The European Union has announced plans to fully integrate the energy markets of Ukraine and Moldova with the EU by the end of 2026, with the aim of boosting energy security and fostering economic resilience in the region.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the ambitious energy package during a statement released by the EU, Caliber.Az reports.

As von der Leyen explained, the initiative is designed to create a secure, competitive, and resilient energy system for Ukraine.

"We will fully integrate Ukraine's and Moldova's electricity market with our electricity market by the end of next year.”

She also emphasized the strategic importance of Ukraine's gas storage capacity, noting that 80 per cent of the country’s vast gas reserves are located near EU member states.

“This generates income for Ukraine. And we will accelerate investments in Ukraine's renewable energy. All these efforts will result in greater energy security for both – Ukraine and the European Union,” she added.

The plan further includes accelerating investments in Ukraine's renewable energy sector.

Von der Leyen continued, underscoring the broader geopolitical significance of the EU’s support for Ukraine.

“No one wants more peace than the people of Ukraine. But a just and lasting peace only comes through strength. This is why we strengthen your economy. This is why we increase the resilience of your energy supply. This is why we will continue training and equipping your troops. Think of the importance of artillery ammunition, for example,” she noted.

The European Commission has also adopted its 16th package of sanctions, which aims to increase punitive measures against Russia unless it demonstrates genuine commitment to a lasting peace agreement with Ukraine.

In a parallel move, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has proposed an accelerated timeline for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

Speaking during the "Support Ukraine" plenary session with European leaders in Kyiv, Nausėda called for Ukraine to become a full EU member by January 1, 2030.

“The security of Europe depends on the security of Ukraine. That is why let us speed up Ukraine's accession to the EU. I propose a date of January 1, 2030,” Nausėda stated, adding that the first cluster of negotiations could begin within a few weeks.

“Let’s make Ukraine's path to the EU inevitable,” Nausėda emphasized.

Nausėda’s proposal reflects the strong backing for Ukraine’s European integration, which has reached record levels, according to recent surveys. A poll conducted by the Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center in December 2024 revealed that 69 per cent of Ukrainians support joining the European Union, a 14-percentage-point increase since February 2022.

The idea of EU and NATO membership remains a unifying factor for the Ukrainian population. A survey by the Sociological Group Rating at the end of 2024 showed that 69 per cent of Ukrainians favor EU membership, while 67 per cent support joining NATO.

In this context, Ukraine's future integration into the EU and its increasing energy independence are seen as crucial steps toward strengthening the country's sovereignty and securing its place within the European community.

By Vafa Guliyeva