Ukraine and the EU have agreed on a heat network modernization plan: what will change.

According to inkorr.com: The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development, together with the delegation of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Partnership (DG ENEST), agreed on further steps regarding the implementation of EU requirements in the areas of heating, energy modernization, and transport.

Discussion of progress

The meeting focused on the state of implementation of the Ukraine Facility program for 2025 in the specified areas.

In particular, within the framework of the Energy Modernization Program, a State Target Economic Program for the Energy Modernization of Heating Supply Enterprises until 2030 has already been approved. Its goal is to increase the efficiency of centralized heating supply systems, reduce dependence on natural gas, and ensure stable and quality heat and hot water for Ukrainians.

In addition, a draft law No. 14067 has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada, which provides for the modernization of heating supply systems. The document promotes the establishment of individual thermal points (ITP) in buildings, allowing for a transition to 'smart' heat supply and reducing energy consumption.

Konstantin Kovalchuk expressed gratitude to the representatives of the European Commission for understanding Ukraine's position and emphasized the importance of maintaining the moratorium on increasing tariffs in the heating supply sector for the population.

'Russia continues to deliberately target our critical infrastructure, civilian facilities. We are preparing for all possible scenarios in the event of such shelling and working out actions in different situations. All efforts are focused on ensuring a sustainable heating season. At the same time, despite the challenges facing Ukraine, we remain Euro-integration-oriented and continue to work on improving the legislative framework in the heating supply sector to make services more accessible and closer to people', said Deputy Minister Konstantin Kovalchuk.

Development of infrastructure and transport in Ukraine

Deputy Minister Marina Denisyuk shared information about the state of project implementation in the areas of water supply, heating supply, and transport, including the inclusion of projects in the Unified Project Portfolio for 2026.

'Priority projects and programs have been included in the EPP-2026. For the development of border infrastructure and the expansion of TEN-T corridors, a separate program has been approved, and all existing CEF projects have been included in it according to amendments to CMU resolution 527. We also welcome Moldova's Euro-integration choice. In recent years, we have actively worked together on border development projects, liberalizing road transport, and so we confidently continue cooperation and expect support from the EU'

Currently, within the framework of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program, 11 transport infrastructure development projects planned for 2022-2024 are being implemented. These projects cover rail, road, river transport, and civil aviation, representing an important part of integrating Ukraine's transport system into the European TEN-T network.

These measures underscore the importance of reforms in heating supply and transport, which will help Ukraine not only reduce energy dependence but also improve the quality of life for its citizens. Further cooperation with the European Union will provide a reliable basis for the successful implementation of these initiatives, which are crucial given the current challenges.