“A new tripartite methodology is needed to block Belarusian electricity, and Lithuania is counting on the support of the European Commission in ensuring a complete blockade of Astravets,” emphasised the minister during the meeting. Ms Simson assured him that Lithuania has the full support of the Commission in addressing this issue.
The threat posed by the Belarusian NPP to the EU and its Member States in terms of safety, health and environmental issues has been identified in European Council conclusions and a European Parliament resolution, so the minister called on the European Commission to take urgent and effective actions for their implementation. According to Ms Simson, nuclear safety is an absolute priority in both the EC and its neighbouring countries.
Minister Kreivys and the European Commissioner also discussed the progress with synchronisation of the Baltic electricity networks with the continental European network. Lithuania has already secured EUR 720 million in financial assistance for the second phase of synchronisation, and plans to apply for assistance for the third phase together with the other Baltic States. The minister emphasised that Lithuania is trying to accelerate the progress of the key synchronisation projects so that the Baltic power systems can operate independently and their stability and resistance can be tested without waiting for the scheduled synchronisation in 2025. According to the European Commissioner, the Baltic States can be sure of the European Commission’s political support for this project.
Implementation of the European Green Deal in the energy sector was also discussed at the meeting. Mr Kreivys underscored that Lithuania is committed to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal and is already planning on generating half of its electricity from renewable sources in 2030 – this is five per cent more renewable electricity than provided for in the National Energy and Climate Plan.
Mr Kreivys and Ms Simson also discussed progress on the Harmony Link submarine cable. The Minister asked the Commission to mediate that all necessary permits for seabed surveys be obtained in a timely manner.
