Baltic, Belarus, Energy, Energy Market, Nuclear power plant

On Wenesday, Karins had a video conference with Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas and Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis.

The prime ministers of the three Baltic states discussed progress made so far in talks about electricity trade with third countries.  

According to Karins' representatives, the Baltic states have reached an agreement on the methods to be employed in trade with third counties after the Astravyets is put in operation and Lithuania, in accordance wit its national laws, halts electricity trade with Belarus. The prime ministers tasked experts with continuing work on a political declaration. 

"We have been discussing the issue at length, and the countries' positions are well known. I hope that soon we will be able to find a compromise solution that would taken into consideration the situations of all three countries and our common interests," said Karins. 

On Tuesday, Lithuanian Prime Minister Skvernelis said that as the Baltic states are holding discussions on power trade with Belarus following the launch of the Astravyets nuclear power plant, Lithuania will try to do everything for electricity from Astravyets, which is considered unsafe, not to enter Lithuania, adding however, that the country would not break neighbors' arms over the issue.

Also on Tuesday, a picket was staged outside the Latvian Embassy in Vilnius, calling on Latvia to show solidarity with Lithuania and not buy electric power from the Astravyets NPP, which has been built in Belarus near the Lithuanian border. 

Lithuania considers the power plant unsafe and is trying to persuade Latvia and Estonia to boycott the electricity generated at Astravyets.