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22 February, 2013, Brussels. Minister of Energy Jaroslav Neverovič took part in Transport, Communications and Energy Council which was focusing on energy issues. The discussion on European Commission Communication “Making the internal energy market work“ was held during the Council. In this Communication European Commission encourages member countries to put their efforts to ensure implementation of European internal market rules to finalize the integral energy market until 2014.

Also the Council discussed European Commission proposal to amend directives that impose gasoline and diesel fuel quality requirements and to promote the use of renewable energy. Another important question which was discussed during the council – EC communication “Annual growth survey 2013”. This communication assesses progress and challenges while implementing the Europe 2020 strategy.

“When we speak about finalizing internal energy market, an important element is development and integration of renewable energy sources. However the model of state aid for the development of renewables must be thoughtful and well-balanced to avoid distortion of the market with subsidies. Competitiveness of energy users is one of those important factors which has to be considered when seeking compromise between development of renewables and possible rise of energy prices” – said Minister J. Neverovič during the Council discussions.

During the discussions on EU integral energy market it was stressed that development of energy infrastructure will be continued in accordance with the principles of European solidarity and security of supply. This year the first European list of the projects of common interest shall be presented. The projects that will be included in this list will be eligible for European financing. Development of infrastructure is directly linked with creation of single market which will ensure security of energy supply and reasonable prices for European citizens.

During the discussions on EC proposal to amend the directives that impose gasoline and diesel fuel quality requirements and to promote the use of renewable energy, Minister J. Neverovič noted that the objectives of these Directives should be pursued thoughtfully. While reaching the acceptable decision economical, business and employment challenges must be considered along with the environmental issues. Lithuania supports the efforts to reach a balanced decision.

During the visit to Brussels Minister J. Neverovič met with Commissioner for energy Günther Oettinger and members of the European Parliament – vice-chair of ITRE (Industry, Research and Energy) Committee Jens Rohde and member of AFET (Foreign Affairs) Committee Jacek Saryusz-Wolski. J. Neverovič also met with UK Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change Edward Davey and Irish Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte.

During the meeting with J. Neverovič Commissioner for energy G. Oettinger stressed that European Commission will carry on consecutive negotiations with „Gazprom“ over 3rd Energy package implementation in Baltic countries. „Implementation of 3rd Energy package and synchronization of isolated regions energy systems with continental Europe are necessary conditions for internal energy market to function. In these conditions European Commission guarantees its support for Lithuania in negotiations with third countries“– said Minister J. Neverovič after the meeting with the Commissioner.

The energy agenda of Lithuanian Presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2013 as well as the planned joint events with other European institutions were also discussed during this meeting.

The objectives of Lithuanian Presidency were discussed during the meeting with the member of European Parliament Jacek Saryusz-Wolski. J. Neverovič expressed his hope that during the Lithuanian Presidency, all the European institutions will closely cooperate while achieving common goals.

Minister and the member of EP discussed the most important energy issues of the European agenda. Special attention was given to the alternative gas supply – exploration of shale gas and the construction of liquefied natural gas terminal in Klaipėda. The issues of the implementation of 3rd energy package and the regional perspective of nuclear energy were also in focus. 

In the meeting with UK Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change Edward Davey, the future of European energy sector and the objectives of Lithuanian Presidency were discussed. E. Davey pointed out that the development of nuclear energy is an important issue of competitive economy, safety of energy supply and protection of environment.