Baltic States – CIS, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Gas, Legislation, Lithuania

The head of the Parliament is convinced that the implementation of this provision would allow Lithuania developing projects on energy independence more effectively, that is the construction of liquefied natural gas terminal and of building gas pipeline with Poland, informs LETA/ELTA.

"Obviously, having the current situation, it is difficult to negotiate with the Gazprom ruled company over the energy projects what would lessen Gazprom's influence," Degutiene said to the radio Ziniu Radijas. "If Lithuania decided to ignore the provisions of the Third Package, it may expect certain political concessions from Gazprom in the short term; however, we have to think of the long term consequences or long term price of such concessions. Sticking to the Russian rules of game would mean Lithuania not being independent in terms of energy," Degutiene added.

The speaker of the Seimas thinks that it is no coincidence that information on allegedly skyrocketing prices of heating from autumn is being spread at the Seimas at a time when it is to deliberate on the natural gas law. "It is done with a purpose so that the unbundling would not take place and the Law on Natural Gas would not be adopted. But I believe that common sense will win tomorrow and the law will be passed," Degutiene noted Wednesday.