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Blitz interview with EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova

Text: Nina Yavorska, Dmytro Koshovyy

-- What is the EU's policy on nuclear energy in general? We know that the EU has so-called taxonomy rules. What is their essence and what is the role of nuclear energy in the “green” transformation of the EU?

-- Nuclear energy, subject to strict safety and environmental conditions and in line with the “do no significant harm” principle, plays a role in the transition towards climate neutrality in line with the European Green Deal.

The EU taxonomy is a cornerstone of the EU’s energy sustainable finance framework. It is an important market transparency tool; it helps direct investments to the economic activities most needed for the energy transition, in line with the net zero emission goals of 2050, as well as environmental goals.

-- How do you assess cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the field of nuclear energy?

-- The cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the field of nuclear energy is overall positive, as clearly demonstrated in the area of nuclear safety, implemented through the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation.

As an example, there is ongoing EU support towards IAEA monitoring missions at nuclear power plants in Ukraine. The EU also supports activities related to nuclear waste management in Ukraine.

-- Did the EU Delegation to Ukraine really express its position on the completion of units 3 and 4 at Khmelnytskyi NPP?

-- The EU has not expressed an official position either for or against the building of the new Khmelnytski NPP units. I made that clear in my interview with EP back in December. The decision whether to build the new NPP blocks is for Ukrainian authorities to make.

-- What is