The Eastern European Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) Fund will help implement water supply projects in Ukraine’s frontline areas
This was discussed during the Fund’s anniversary event organised on the sidelines of the COP29 in the Swedish Pavilion. Svitlana Hrynchuk, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, welcomed the participants to the event.
The E5P project was initiated by Sweden in 2009. Its other donors are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Switzerland, and the United States.
‘This partnership focuses on energy efficiency and environmental protection, two important issues that are fundamental to the survival and prosperity of our country. Ukraine is sincerely grateful for the 250 million euros pooled in the E5P fund, especially during these difficult war times,’ said Svitlana Grinchuk.
According to her, Ukraine today needs support in the development of municipal infrastructure, in particular in the following areas
- thermal modernisation of public buildings
- renovation of central heating systems
- solid waste management
- water and wastewater treatment
- environmentally friendly public transport.
‘These projects not only improve energy efficiency and the environment but also have a significant social impact on Ukrainians who are constantly under fire and suffer from internal displacement,’ the Minister said.
For example, among the successful E5P cases already implemented is the water supply in Mykolaiv.
‘I would like to thank the European Union for implementing the Eastern Partnership initiative. We highly appreciate all efforts aimed at helping Ukraine on its path to closer European integration and accession to the EU. I would also like to thank all E5P donors and partner institutions: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, and the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (Nefco) for their excellent cooperation and project implementation. We also look forward to the launch of the Council of Europe Development Bank in Ukraine. Special thanks to the EBRD for managing the E5P fund,’ said Svitlana Grinchuk.