Brussels, 10/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 9 April, the Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) adopted, by a large majority (290 votes in favour, out of 422), new legislation governing the Ukrainian market for natural gas. The new legislation comes into line with the rules set out in the EU's third legislative package for the liberalisation of energy markets - a package adopted by the EU in 2009 and which forms the basis of the Energy Community.
In concrete terms, the law on the natural gas market “establishes an economically sound approach to the organisation of the gas market”, says Ukrainian state-owned gas company Naftogaz in a press release. It adds that the new law provides for: - separation of the functions of operators, distributors and suppliers; - clear delineation of the state and an independent regulator; - and free pricing.
“This law is an important step towards Ukraine's integration with the European Union. It transparently opens our natural gas market to investors, stimulates competition and clearly outlines the functions of the state (…) The law also provides state support to vulnerable customers and establishes quality control measures. We are grateful for the efficient cooperation of the Energy Community”, says Naftogaz CEO, Andriy Kobolyev. (Emmanuel Hagry)