The Prime Minister has thanked the European Commission for the attention to the joint implementation of the strategic projects in the Baltic energy sector. Prime Minister Skvernelis has assured the Vice-President that Lithuania supports the proposal by the Commission Vice-President for the creation of the EU Energy Union both in political and practical terms. “It is a key to strengthening the energy security and boosting economic competitiveness”, said the Head of Government.
The Prime Minister has stressed the importance of Klaipėda LNG terminal that creates exceptional socio-economic value for the entire region and raised a possibility for it to become a regional terminal in time. “We want to agree with our partners Latvia and Estonia on the regional status of this terminal. This agreement would help cut gas prices for all the consumers in the Baltic countries”, said Prime Minister Skvernelis.
Commission Vice-President Šefčovič has backed the aspiration of the Baltic countries to start integration of the Baltic electricity transmission system into the synchronous grid of Continental Europe as soon as possible. It has been agreed that it is a strategic objective, its implementation should not be delayed, and that it is now time to move from words to deeds.
In the meeting, the Prime Minister has raised the issue of the Astravyets NPP safety and has requested support from the European Commission in raising the issue that is of importance not only to Lithuania but also to the entire EU. “We expect that the European Commission shows solidarity and voices unanimous position on the Astravyets NPP”, said Skvernelis.
The meeting has also discussed continuity of EU funding for the decommissioning of Ignalina NPP, while drafting the new Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU. “The support programme, as a commitment, must be smoothly continued. On our part, we commit to ensure efficient and transparent use of the existing and future financing”, said the Prime Minister.
The Commission Vice-President, who had an opportunity to see Klaipėda LNG terminal earlier on, has stressed that it has fundamentally changed the energy security situation in the entire Baltic region. Commission Vice-President Šefčovič has also assured the Prime Minister that the Commission is of the opinion that the Astravyets NPP is an issue not to Lithuania, but the entire EU, and that considerable effort goes into dealing with it. The Commission Vice-President has expressed his delight at Lithuania’s progress in the field of energy efficiency and smart city efforts.
