Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EIB has granted €86 million to Ukrenergo, funding anti-drone measures to protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure amid ongoing conflict, backed by EU guarantees.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided €86 million to Ukrenergo to back the physical safety of Ukraine’s vital energy infrastructure. The funding is directed to Ukraine’s national electricity transmission system operator and supported by European Union guarantees.
What role does the €86 million loan play in safeguarding energy?
According to EIB, this funding delivered under the EIB’s Ukraine Solidarity Urgent Response Package designed in collaboration with the European Commission keeps the first measure of the Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan assumed by the Bank in October 2024 to manage the extensive harm to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure induced by Russia’s continuing war.
The finance will back the construction of protective anti-drone installations for electricity transmission gear, boosting its resilience against military invasions and ensuring the protection and functionality of Ukraine’s energy transmission infrastructure during wartime. This fund will allow Ukrenergo to improve the strength and reliability of energy lines across Ukrainian territories.
In her remarks, EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska stated:
“This €86 million investment is a critical step in strengthening Ukraine’s energy infrastructure against continued military aggression. By helping Ukrenergo build protective anti-drone shelters, we strive to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of electricity across the land, fulfilling the requirements of both civilians and businesses. The EIB remains firm in its dedication to Ukraine’s resilience, performing alongside our EU allies to rebuild and advance necessary infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector, which is critical for sustaining daily life, economic strength, and the recovery of Ukraine.”
EU Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification Valdis Dombrovskis expressed:
This €86 million European Union-guaranteed EIB loan comes at a critical time as the people of Ukraine confront their third winter since Russia undertook its full-scale attack. This financing will fund improvements to safeguard Ukraine’s energy infrastructure which has been the target of persistent seizures from the Russian war apparatus. Such investments are required to defend Ukrainian citizens from severe winter situations and enable the country to persist in its fight for survival. This endeavour is yet another demonstration of how the EU remains determined to stand with Ukraine and its people.
