On Tuesday 8 January, the European Commission approved two Lithuanian energy measures, one to support the production of electricity from renewable energy sources and the other to benefit electrointensive users.
The first decision concerns a scheme set up in Lithuania in 2012 and covers the period 2012-2015, the last beneficiary of this measure having been selected in 2015. The scheme, which will run until 2029 with a budget of around 1.24 billion euros, supports producers of electricity from renewable sources through a feed-in premium (in addition to the selling price of electricity on the market) granted by Vilnius. Small power plants benefit from a fixed feed-in tariff for 12 years.
Noting that the aid in question had an incentive effect and was proportionate, in addition to being in line with the EU's environmental objectives, the Commission considered that it was compatible with EU state aid law rules.
The second decision concerns a levy on electricity consumers to support producers of electricity from renewable energy sources. Subject to certain conditions, Vilnius wishes to grant a reduction of this levy to energy-intensive industrial users.
Noting that this reduction would only benefit companies exposed to international trade, the Commission considered it compatible with EU state aid rules. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)