The discussions focused on the geopolitical situation, EU security matters, energy independence, threats arising from the climate change crisis, development of renewable energy sources, steps mitigating the humanitarian crisis, outcomes of the Conference on the Future of Europe, and key importance of ensuring EU funding for assisting Ukrainian war refugees.
When addressing the participants, Mr Matijošaitis welcomed the opportunity to attend the Meeting physically; emphasised, first and foremost, the need for recognising the aggressor state – the Russian Federation – as an unreliable partner; and called for putting an end to funding the war. ‘We must stand firm in refusing to pay for gas imports in roubles and in ending our dependence on Russian energy imports,’ said the Deputy Chair of the Committee.
Recalling the official opening of the 508-kilometre-long GIPL (Gas Interconnection Poland–Lithuania) pipeline between Lithuania and Poland, Mr Matijošaitis stated that this project would ensure safe and secure gas supply for the Baltic States and strengthen the energy independence of the countries concerned. This is particularly important in the context of the current geopolitical situation.
Among other things, Mr Matijošaitis noted the need for accelerating the synchronisation of the Baltic States’ electricity grids with the Continental European Network (CEN) and expressed hope that the networks of the Baltic States would be fully connected to the CEN for synchronous operation as soon as possible, that is, in 2025 or even earlier.
When speaking on the war in Ukraine, he stressed that, unfortunately, Russia showed no intention of stopping its cruel aggression. Therefore, it was very important to reinforce the current sanctions and approve the sixth package of sanctions without delay. Mr Matijošaitis welcomed greater determination among the EU and other countries to supply heavy weaponry to Ukraine and highlighted the importance of recognising the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine as the genocide of the Ukrainian people, as stated in the Seimas resolution adopted on 10 May 2022.
The Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs (COSAC) is the largest and most important event of the European affairs committees of Parliaments of the EU Member States held for discussing the most important items on the EU agenda. COSAC is convened by the Parliament of the Member State holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Informal meetings of the chairpersons of the European affairs committees of Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland are held in rotation before each Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC.
The Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC will take place in Prague on 10–11 July 2022.
