“The positive assessment of Lithuania’s energy progress and the current Government’s plans in the field of energy allows us to expect that we will receive an invitation to join this organisation,” says Vice-Minister of Energy Albinas Zananavičius.
The IEA is one of the most influential energy organisations in the world. In addition to being ready to respond to oil supply disruptions, it also provides information on the international oil market and other energy sectors, and acts as a policy adviser for its member countries.
The IEA’s expertise is of particular relevance to Lithuania in accelerating changes in the energy sector and looking for optimal solutions in transitioning to climate-neutral energy, strengthening the national energy innovation policy, and increasing energy efficiency.
During the assessment, Lithuania’s legislation and energy policy principles were analysed to make sure that they are in line with IEA standards. Attention was given to Lithuania’s targets and the real situation in the fields of oil, natural gas, electricity, renewable energy, energy statistics data collection, energy technologies and innovations, and so on. IEA experts also provided Lithuania with recommendations for improving energy policy.
The detailed report on Lithuania’s energy policy is planned to be made public this spring, and the decision of the IEA to invite Lithuania to join the organisation is expected in June.
The Standing Group on Long-Term Cooperation encourages cooperation between IEA member countries to ensure collective energy security, improve the economic efficiency of their energy sectors, and promote environmental protection in the provision of energy services. It also analyses detailed reports on the energy policies of all IEA member and acceding countries.
The IEA Governing Board decided to start consultations on Lithuania’s accession to the organisation in mid-2019. Following the final approval by the IEA Governing Board that Lithuania meets the IEA membership standards, the Seimas will have to ratify the 18 November 1974 Agreement on an International Energy Program. Lithuania will then be able to become a full member of the IEA. It is planned that this will happen this year.
The accession process usually takes up to five years, but Lithuania is ready to implement the membership requirements as soon as it can in order to reap the benefits of IEA membership as soon as possible.
The IEA currently has 30 member countries.
