December 2019 was a good month for Ukrainian and European energy security. Congressional sanctions stopped Nord Stream 2 dead in the water and Ukraine closed a fair multiyear gas deal with Russia. Over the past six years, Naftogaz has proven to be a capable defender of Ukrainian energy independence. Ukraine’s new government has outlined an ambitious desire for reform, and the country’s top energy company is a key component in the process. Andriy Kobolyev, Naftogaz’s CEO, has been one of the top figures negotiating with Gazprom. Where does Naftogaz stand six years after the Maidan revolution? What is the current state of the Ukrainian energy sector? And what has been the impact on the broader European market?
This event features a fireside chat with Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev, followed by a panel discussion with Penn-Biden Center managing director and Atlantic Council senior fellow Michael Carpenter, Eurasia Center director John Herbst, and Global Energy Center founding chairman Richard Morningstar. The event is moderated by Eurasia Center deputy director Melinda Haring.
spotlight
Ukraine and European energy security
Reliable transit of natural gas through Ukraine is essential for European energy security. Ukraine’s recent agreement with Russia on the transit of gas, ensures continued energy supplies to Europe for the duration. However, achieving long-term energy security in Europe will rely on success in Ukraine.
The Eurasia Center’s mission is to enhance transatlantic cooperation in promoting stability, democratic values and prosperity in Eurasia, from Eastern Europe and Turkey in the West to the Caucasus, Russia and Central Asia in the East.
The Global Energy Center develops and promotes pragmatic and nonpartisan policy solutions designed to advance global energy security, enhance economic opportunity, and accelerate pathways to net-zero emissions.