Energy, EU – Baltic States, Forum

In Prague, the Czech prime minister had a meeting with government leaders of the three Baltic States. The four premiers then had a joint meeting with the prime ministers of Visegrad countries, prime minister of Slovenia and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso. This is the first time such a multilateral meeting takes place, informs LETA.

One of the most important discussion topics was power industry in the context of security, independence and future development. Reduction of CO2 emissions, increase of renewable energy sources and countries' cooperation in the power supply sector were mentioned as the crucial aspects.

Government leaders underlined that cooperation is needed in development of new technologies and interconnecting links between European countries, as this would enhance energy independence.

During the meeting, Godmanis pointed out that discussion on ways to achieve the set targets for reducing CO2 emissions and increase the proportion of renewable energy sources must continue. Not mowing away from the goal, the necessary actions in the context of power balance and structure of economy in each country have to be analyzed. It is important to for the discussion to continue on European level.

Godmanis also pointed out that at the present moment, the proportion of renewable resources in Latvia is 34 percent. By 2020 it has to be increased to 42 percent, which is a significant volume.

During the meeting with Barroso, Godmanis emphasized that the question of CO2 emission quotas is very important for the new European Union member countries. The EU must have a clear understanding that the need to acquire additional CO2 emission quotas will leave an impact on the prices of energy sources. Therefore, reduction of the impact on the environment must be viewed in context with the set targets for the development of power sector and industry, Godmanis said.

The officials also discussed the process of ratification of the Lisbon Treaty and the practical issues related to the formation of the new EU official positions. When discussing the European Neighborhood Policy, the government leaders paid special attention to the power sector, in the context of technical knowledge exchange and developing interconnection links.

During the visit, Godmanis also visited Latvia's Embassy in Czech Republic.