Energy, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Lithuania

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During his speech Minister stressed that the completion of the EU internal energy market by 2014 is the top priority of the Lithuanian Presidency. Minister pointed out that this priority is closely linked with positive EU economic and security of energy supply effects. What is more, it is important for the Union's jobs and growth agenda and it is also inseparable from the EU targets for competitiveness as well as achievement of the climate and energy goals for 2020.

According to the Minister, The Presidency will seek to evaluate the process of the completion of the EU internal energy market by 2014 at the December Energy Council. This will provide an opportunity to take stock of progress made and to reflect on the steps required to meet these goals.

Strengthening the external dimension of energy policy J. Neverovich named as the second pillar of the Lithuanian Presidencies priorities in the energy area. According to him, EU needs stable and transparent global energy markets to ensure energy security. We must continue to enhance Member States' cooperation as regards the external dimensions of the EU energy policy and in our relations with external suppliers of energy resources.

Given the many significant developments which have occurred over the last two years in the field of external energy relations, the Lithuanian Presidency will with the help of the Commission review and update the orientations set out in the 2011 Council Conclusions on external energy relations with a view to improving the consistency, credibility and effectiveness of EU action. This review should be endorsed at the December Energy Council.

Minister pointed out the progress made on the draft Directive on Indirect Land Use Change under the Irish Presidency. According to him this should serve as a solid foundation for starting discussions in the European Parliament.

"Time is of the essence for our joint discussions. My impression is that the three Institutions – European Parliament, EU Council and EU Commission – share similar appreciation of the need for ILUC mitigation on the one hand, while maintaining clear investment perspectives and the achievability of the EU renewables targets on the other. The Lithuanian Presidency is keen to reach agreement with the Parliament on a common objective so as to finalize this dossier" – J. Neverovich said to the members of the EP ITRE committee.

A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies is about developing a strategy which goes beyond our 2020 targets. It is based on the 2050 Roadmaps and considers how best to use energy and climate policy to arrive at a competitive, sustainable and secure economy and energy system. The Commission has concluded public consultations on its Green Paper and is now preparing impact assessment evaluations for each Member State. The Lithuanian Presidency will explore the possibility of organizing a presentation of the results of the public consultation regarding the 2030 framework for climate and energy policies.

Minister J. Neverovich said that it is hoped for the Draft Regulation on Notification of investment projects in energy infrastructure to be finalized during Lithuanian Presidency.

He also stressed that Lithuania is awaiting the Commission's promised proposal for sustainability requirements for solid and gaseous biomass in electricity, heating and cooling. It is planned to take this proposal up in the Council as soon as it is presented.

While talking on nuclear issues J. Neverovich mentioned the revision of 2009 Directive on Nuclear Safety, which will be one of the most important dossiers in the nuclear field.

The country which is taking over the Presidency traditionally presents its priorities for the members of EP committees. ITRE committee is responsible for EU instruments related to energy, industry and research policies. During the Ministers J. Neverovich speech the members of the committee showed active interest in Presidencies energy agenda.

Members of the ITRE committee will also visit Lithuania on June 15-17.

Full text of J. Neverovič speech can be found here.