Vilnius, 04/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - Completion of the internal energy market (by 2014), particularly the external dimension of the EU's energy policy constitute the priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU. These subjects will be discussed at the informal European energy ministers' meeting on 19-20 September in Vilnius and the formal Energy Council in December.
On Thursday 4 July, Jaroslav Neverovic, the Lithuanian minister for energy, spoke of certain national issues, such as the national gas terminal, which is due to be operational by the end of 2014. He pointed out that “this is an important element in our aim to diversify gas supply”.
On the question of nuclear power, he said that “nuclear projects are at the discussion stage” and that a non-binding referendum had demonstrated in the past that the people did not support nuclear power. According to the minister, the government is searching for a balanced and diversified energy mix.
Internal energy market. The Lithuanian Presidency will present a progress report in December on what has been achieved in the field of internal energy market implementation. It attaches much importance to the first list (to be adopted in autumn 2013) of projects of common interest. In this context, a conference on common energy infrastructure will be held on 4-5 November in Vilnius.
Energy policy's external dimension. The Commission is due to adopt a report on the implementation of decisions made by the European Councils of February 2011 and May 2013 (see EUROPE 10850). In December, ministers will update the conclusions of the 2011 Council on the EU energy policies' external dimension.
ILUC, nuclear, biomass. Lithuania says that it is optimistic about concluding the ILUC dossier by the end of the year (see EUROPE 10872), as well as the directive on notifying investment projects for energy infrastructure. Other dossiers will be on the Presidency programme, including the directive on nuclear safety and the proposals expected on biomass. (LC/transl.fl)