"Regional cooperation between Member States is very important seeking to create a liberal and effective regional electricity and gas market and safeguard the security of energy supply. We have a good example of regional cooperation in the Baltic Region, i.e. BEMIP (Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan). We could make use of this regional cooperation platform for the implementation of the 2020-2030 goals for climate and energy in the region," said Masiulis.
The ministers of EU Member States, who participated at the Energy Council, also discussed the management system for the implementation of the EU 2020-2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework. The European Commission proposes to monitor the achievement of the framework goals by using certain indicators, which were discussed at the Council.
"The indicators should be regularly monitored and used to evaluate progress of creation of a competitive and secure EU energy system. They will definitely help to make the most rational political decisions and ensure that climate and energy policies are pursued in a coordinated manner. However, I would like to point out that the internal EU energy market will not be completed until the synchronisation of electricity grids of all EU Member States is ensured," said the minister of energy.
Minister Masiulis also participated in bilateral meetings with Latvian Minister of Economy Dana Reizniece-Ozola and Swedish Minister of Energy Ibrahim Baylan.
Masiulis and the Latvian minister of economy discussed the implementation of EU projects of common interest, the aims and instruments of the creation of a regional gas market, and the Baltic synchronisation with the continental European networks. They highlighted the importance of alternative gas supply to the Baltic countries and specifically the significance of the LNG terminal in Klaipeda.
At the meeting with the Swedish minister of energy, Masiulis rejoiced at the successful implementation of the NordBalt project, which will ensure integration of electricity markets of the Baltic and Nordic countries. They discussed national experience and potential cooperation fields in the area of energy efficiency. Sweden has significant achievements regarding this issue and is ready to share its experience with Lithuania.
The Council adopted conclusions on the progress towards completing the Internal Energy Market and discussed the EU's growth strategy (Europe 2020). During the Italian Presidency of the Council of the EU, this Council for energy issues is the last. Latvia will take over presidency for a half-year as of 1 January 2015.
