Ukraine

Vienna Energy Club Discusses Pathways for Clean Energy Transition

2 June 2025

The 31st Vienna Energy Club Meeting, held on 27 May 2025 in Vienna, brought together senior representatives from international organisations who have a focus on energy and are based in Vienna as well as Austrian ministries to explore financing strategies for clean energy transition, particularly in Ukraine.

Opening remarks were delivered by Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, who reflected on two decades of regional energy cooperation and solidarity. Ambassador Elisabeth Kornfeind, Director General for Europe and Economy at the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), and Benedikt Ennser, Director General for Energy at the Austrian Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism (BMWET), highlighted Austria’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and advancing clean energy goals across the region.

The thematic session was opened by Patrick Avato, Manager for Infrastructure, Energy and Mining in Europe at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), focusing on sustainable finance mechanisms for Ukraine. He emphasised the role of World Bank Group collaboration, targeted reforms and regulatory clarity required as basis for investment frameworks that will accelerate progress in energy sector reconstruction and increase resilience.

Participants shared institutional perspectives, ongoing initiatives, and explored options for closer cooperation in international energy programmes. The session, moderated by the Energy Community Secretariat, focused on aligning joint initiatives, mobilising financing and investments, and building long-term partnerships. The meeting’s thematic session featured a tour de table with contributions from guest and member institutions: