Ukraine joins IEA as Birol talks of energy system 'built on new relationships'

Ukraine has officially become an Association country of the International Energy Agency during a signing ceremony that took place in Warsaw, Poland on Tuesday, 19 July.

The IEA’s Governing Board agreed unanimously on 16 June to accept Ukraine as its 11th Association country.

The move demonstrates IEA's support of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and highlights Ukraine's role in driving energy security and transformation in Europe.

IEA executive director Fatih Birol commented at the signing ceremony: "It is a big honour for the IEA to welcome Ukraine. It was unanimous support from all governments to have Ukraine join the IEA family.

"This indicates the respect we have for the Ukrainian people and government today".

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The framework agreement allows the IEA to work closely with partner countries, cooperating on data sharing and best practices. Ten countries have joined the IEA since the framework was first implemented, including; Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Singapore, South Africa and Thailand.

Winter is coming - for Europe and the world

Fatih Birol emphasised the impact of dual crises being faced by the world, the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and what he referred to as the "world's first global energy crisis".

This energy crisis, he explained, is a first in terms of depth and complexity and was clearly initiated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Said Birol: "It would be optimistic to assume the world energy system will go back to what it was. There will be a new energy system built on new relationships".

Birol stated that 24 February will act as a turning point in the history of energy policies. "We may see some of the energy technologies coming to our lives much faster and in bolder terms".

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However, juxtaposed with this scenario of rapid technology development and deployment is a scenario of one the most difficult winters Europe has faced.

"This winter, as we have warned, will be very difficult in Europe, even if Russia doesn't completely cut the gas supply", said Birol, adding that it will be a true and historic test of European solidarity.

United against Russian threat

German Galushchenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, spoke at the event regarding the importance of unification and solidarity.

"Only united we could face this risk and make the right decisions with the help of the IEA," he said.

He explained that Russia is trying to push against freedom and independence and use energy as a weapon, however he added that Ukraine will stand against this together with the rest of Europe.

"We feel that this winter will be the last winter that Russia can press Ukraine and all of us. It's important to face this winter united to face this threat."

Galushchenko highlighted that Ukraine's energy system remained stable despite the war and having lost a number of generation facilities. "This agreement [with the IEA] gives us hope and confidence that they cannot beat us".

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The IEA has a history of cooperation with Ukraine, having conducted various policy reviews and organised policy events and energy data capacity building in Kyiv and Odesa.

The IEA also completed a roadmap looking at how Ukraine can restrain energy demand, a priority for the government.