The Head of the European Commission’s Mission to Ukraine, Ian Boag, said that merging Ukraine’s energy system with the European energy network (UCTE) depends on the safety standards at Ukraine’s power plants conforming to European standards. The Fuel & Energy Ministry considers integration with the UCTE possible by the end of 2007. Alexander Paraschiy: The primary problem of Ukrainian power generators is excess pollution from thermal power plants; Ukraine needs huge investments to upgrade its purifying systems to meet EU requirements. It looks like EU officials will close their eyes to this problem and will concentrate on nuclear safety (which demands fewer investments). The energy network merger will be beneficial for both sides, as Ukraine has the capacity for excess supplies while the EU can meet soon capacity restrictions.