Energy, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Legislation, Lithuania

At the conference dedicated to the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Energy Security in Vilnius, 1.02.2012. Photo: urm.lt

"I believe that the Energy Security Centre will contribute to the development of standards of NATO smart defence and will also help to open up more possibilities for ongoing operations. Priority must be given to accumulating available resources of all countries and to share best practice," Azubalis said. The minister called on representatives of all NATO member countries to join the centre's activities from the day of its establishment in order to achieve these objectives.

"I am certain that through sharing best practice and cooperating we will be able to significantly contribute to the enhancement of security of our forces," the minister said.

According to the minister, the Energy Security Centre already plans Energy efficiency exercises (ENERGEX 2012), based on experience gained in Afghanistan. This will be only the first step in exploring how advanced technologies and innovative solutions could enhance energy security in NATO operations.

Azubalis stressed that this conference was an important step for the preparation to the NATO summit in Chicago, the agenda of which includes both tackling new threats and challenges.

The minister recalled the recent visit of NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to Vilnius, who welcomed Lithuania's initiative to set up the NATO Centre of Excellence for Energy Security.

On 1-2 February, representatives of 18 NATO member countries are taking part in the conference dedicated to the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Energy Security. They are to be acquainted with the centre's concept, mission, functions, structure and main operating principles. Minister of National Defence of Lithuania Rasa Jukneviciene also welcomed the participants.

The conference is organized and the ENSEC COE establishment programme is being implemented by the Energy Security Centre under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with NATO Transformation Headquarters.