"The completion of the European Union's internal energy market will end the energy isolation of Lithuania. It will ensure greater energy security and more alternative energy supplies, serving to promote competitiveness of the energy sector and lower consumer prices," the President said.
The European Union has set the goal of completing the internal energy market by 2014 and eliminating its energy islands by 2015. Therefore, the member states are urged to finalize the implementation of the third energy package as soon as possible. Greater investment will be encouraged in energy infrastructure, interconnections, and new technologies. European leaders also underscored the need to increase energy efficiency. It would serve to reduce the financial burden for people and boost competitiveness of European companies in global markets.
To achieve the objectives in energy sphere, it is essential to better coordinate the EU external energy policy. EU member states' clearer position in their dialogue with third countries will allow ensuring equal competitive conditions for energy producers of both the EU and third countries, as well as will improve competitiveness and contribute to lowering prices.
According to the President, Europe sets high environmental and ecological requirements and the highest nuclear safety standards for its energy producers and consumers. In third countries, particularly in the EU neighborhood, these requirements are not complied with. This causes differences in prices of energy resources and manufactured products and hinders fair competition. Therefore, the single EU external energy policy is of key importance if we want rapid economic growth in Europe.
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