Brussels, 13/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - Under the threat of energy isolation and the pressure applied by Russia on the three Baltic states, Lithuania will make energy security an energy policy priority when it takes the reins of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in the second half of 2013.
The commissioner for energy, Günter Oettinger, travelled to Vilnius on 10 May to prepare the work of the florthcoming presidency and the next European Council on 22 May to be devoted to common energy policy. Following this visit, the Lithuanian authorities welcomed the continued efforts made by the European Commission to help the Baltic countries break out from their energy isolation. On Friday, the Lithuanian minister for energy, Jaroslav Neverovic, highlighted his country's gratitude for the support given by the Commission to his country, both in the initiative that seeks to connect and integrate Baltic energy markets (BEMIP) and for the assistance provided in implementing the third legislative package for energy market liberalisation. Neverovic said: “I am convinced that we will attain our common priorities, including the completion of the internal market, if we pursue this kind of cooperation during the Lithuanian presidency”. He added that “Lithuania's main priority in the energy field consists of strengthening supply security, an objective that will be achieved through developing energy infrastructure, integrating energy systems, completing the common energy market and enhancing the EU's energy policy's external dimension”.
Shale gas as means of exerting pressure on Gazprom. According to Commissioner Oettinger, shale gas could help Europeans obtain better Russian gas prices. He said that he was “sure” that this unconventional gas, of which Lithuania is estimated to have reserves of around 30-50 billion cubic metres, “is an effective instrument in long-term negotiations” between the EU, Gazprom and Russia. Oettinger also denounced the high prices that Gazprom is currently making Lithuania pay as its exclusive gas supplier. The commissioner said that “it is unacceptable that gas prices in Lithuania are between 20, 30 or 40% higher than in neighbouring countries or in Germany. Ultimately, we should have the same price in Lisbon as in Vilnius or in London or Athens”. Lithuania is planning to sign an agreement with the US Chevron group, to exploit shale gas reserves in the west of the country. Faced with environmental concerns, however, involving the hydraulic fracking technique, the Lithuanian parliament is also envisaging toughening up regulation on the conditions for extracting shale gas. Lithuania is embroiled in an open conflict with Gazprom and also wants to break the Russian gas monopoly by building an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal that is expected to be up and running by the end of 2014, in addition to a gas pipeline with Poland and a nuclear plant with its Baltic neighbours. (EH/transl.fl)