After becoming a member of the prestigious world energy organisation, Lithuania participates in discussions on global energy security issues, with a focus on the reduction of dependence on Russia, assistance to Ukraine, and the green agenda
On 23-24 March, Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys participated in a ministerial meeting of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris, France. This year, the biennial high-level IEA meeting brought together ministers from more than 40 countries around the world and the same number of global energy companies. Representatives from the European Commission as well as from Ukraine, who attended as guests, also participated in the plenary sessions that took place over the two days. Green transformation and energy security issues in the global context – and in Ukraine in particular – were discussed during the meetings, which were chaired by the United States.
Participating in a discussion on global energy security challenges, Minister Kreivys noted that the war in Ukraine has reminded the entire world of the importance of energy security. “In Lithuania, energy security is an integral part of national security. Over the past decade, we have been working purposefully and consistently to strengthen energy security in the country and have achieved significant results. This required strong political will, as well as decisions and significant financial investments that often did not have broad political and public support, but later proved to be justified. Today, we can be proud of the fact that we are able to independently ensure an uninterrupted supply of energy from reliable sources to energy consumers in our country and in the other countries in the region,” said the Minister of Energy.
Addressing ministers from the European Union and other countries, as well as representatives from the European Commission, the minister mentioned the issues that Lithuania has persistently raised over the years regarding the risks of energy dependence on Russia, and called on the countries to take a united stand and forgo energy imports from Russia. “We must remain united not only in our words, but also in our actions,” he noted.
In view of the geopolitical security situation, special attention was given during the ministerial discussions to the situation in Ukraine, including opportunities for the countries to focus efforts and provide all possible assistance and support to Ukraine in order to ensure the security of energy supply in the country. “We must end Russian energy imports. We cannot continue to fund Russian military action in Ukraine like this. This is the only way we can help Ukraine win the war for the values and security of us all,” said Minister Kreivys. The minister also congratulated Ukraine on the successful synchronisation of the country’s electricity network with the continental European network, emphasising the importance of this issue for Lithuania, which is taking the same path. Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Energy for European Integration, who attended the meetings as a guest, called on the countries to forgo energy imports from Russia in order to isolate Russia and stop its military action in Ukraine.
The ministerial discussions did not lose sight of the countries’ commitment to transitioning to a climate-neutral economy, which, in the current geopolitical context, is becoming particularly important in contributing to the strengthening of energy security. During discussions on the green transformation, Minister Kreivys shared the experience of Lithuania, which is setting ambitious targets for renewable energy and making rapid progress, as well as its goals for the next decade. “We can be proud of the fact that with strong political will and a long-term strategy, we can take appropriate action to ease legal restrictions and provide the necessary funding for the development of renewable energy in Lithuania. All of these measures are helping Lithuania move fast towards renewable energy,” said Minister Kreivys.
The IEA ministerial meeting in Paris is the first meeting where Lithuania is officially participating as a full member of the IEA. During the meetings, the IEA Executive Director and the U.S. Secretary of Energy, who chaired the meetings, congratulated Lithuania on becoming a member of the IEA in record time and showing its determination to immediately become involved in the IEA’s activities. The Minister of Energy took this opportunity to express his thanks for the support in the accession process, and the country’s willingness to contribute to collective action to strengthen global energy security.