Energy, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Lithuania

Günther Oettinge and Dalia Grybauskaitė. Vilnius, 10.05.2013. Photo: lrp.lt

According to the President, energy will be one of the underlying priorities on the Lithuanian presidency agenda. Energy security can be ensured only through diversification of energy supply sources, providing freedom to choose them, and by strengthening the EU energy market from inside. During its presidency Lithuania will seek progress in creating the EU internal energy market. Single market will help avoid energy islands in the EU.

Another important task for the Lithuanian presidency of the EU Council is to enhance the EU external energy policy and to have it coordinated at all levels. Consistent, steady and constructive external energy policies of the European Union are crucial to ensuring the energy security and fair prices for energy resources. Lithuania during its presidency will aim to make this issue topical on the agenda, initiating discussions on further steps of the EU.

The President and the Commissioner also discussed the necessity to ensure the security of nuclear energy, that it is fully in line with international standards and European agreements when building new nuclear power plants in any country in our region.

The meeting included discussion about Lithuania's aspiration for being a part of the fully functioning EU electricity market, as well as about the strategic energy projects developed in the Baltic region.

The conference on completion of the EU internal energy market is planned in November when Lithuania presides over the EU Council.

Commissioner Günther Oettinger extended congratulations to President Dalia Grybauskaitė on receiving the International Charlemagne Prize on Thursday.