Lithuania - Energy

Short-term priorities:

• implementing a comprehensive long-term energy strategy;
• decommissioning plan for the Ignalina nuclear power plant (in line with commitments entered into in the Nuclear Safety Account Agreement).

Assessment (October 1999)

These priorities have been met.

Considerable progress has been made in this area, notably through the adoption of a comprehensive energy policy including plans for the decommissioning of the Ignalina plant in line with commitments under the Nuclear Safety Account Agreement.

Assessment (November 2000)

Lithuania has introduced an overall energy strategy. The work on the decommissioning and closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant has begun. Nuclear safety is improving. The reform of the electricity industry is in preparation. The setting-up of an institution responsible for radioactive waste management is making progress.

Assessment (November 2001)

Lithuania has started implementing a comprehensive energy strategy in line with the Nuclear Safety Account agreement, in particular, through the adoption of an action plan. It has steadily continued preparing for the definitive closure of Unit 1 of the Ignalina nuclear power plant and improving nuclear safety. However, the efforts to strengthen the nuclear safety authority need to be sustained and intensified. A radioactive waste management institution has been established although it needs to be strengthened. In addition, the reform of the electricity industry is still being prepared. The Commission therefore considers that this priority continues to be largely met.

Assessment (October 2002)

Lithuania has continued to implement the national energy strategy, and has started the process of its urgent revision. Lithuania has taken the very important steps of formally confirming that Unit 1 of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant will be closed before 2005 and formally committing to close Unit 2 by 2009.

Assessment (November 2003)

Please refer to the fact sheets on the adoption of the Community acquis.

Medium-term priorities:

• implementation of a comprehensive energy strategy based on efficiency and diversification and including compliance with nuclear safety standards and realistic commitments regarding closure of power plants.

Assessment (October 1999)

No progress has been made in these areas.

Assessment (November 2000)

No progress has been made in this area

Assessment (November 2001)

At the other units of the Ignalina nuclear power plant, Lithuania continued its work on nuclear safety. Preparations are being made for installation of the second shutdown system on Unit 2, but full support by the operator needs to be ensured. Preparations for a comprehensive safety analysis report for Unit 2, due by 2002, have started. Lithuania has adopted two major pieces of legislation to pave the way for the internal energy market: the Electricity and Gas Laws. Sufficient resources will need to be secured for the authorities responsible for this field. Preparations are being made for alignment with the rules on oil stocks and crisis management. Lithuania has also adopted an updated energy efficiency strategy.

Assessment (October 2002)

Overall, Lithuania has continued to work on improving energy efficiency and on the use of renewable energy sources.

Assessment (November 2003)

Please refer to the fact sheets on the adoption of the Community acquis.

Following the signing of the Accession Treaty on 16 April 2003, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia acceded to the European Union on 1 May 2004.

REFERENCES

Decision 98/265/EC of 30.03.1998Official Journal L 121 of 23.04.1998

Decision 1999/856/EC of 06.12.1999Official Journal L 335 of 28.12.1999

Commission Opinion COM(97) 2007 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(98) 706 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(1999) 507 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(2000) 707 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(2001) 700 final - SEC(2001) 1750Not published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(2002) 700 final - SEC(2002) 1406Not published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(2003) 675 final - SEC(2003) 1204Not published in the Official Journal

Treaty of Accession to the European Union [Official Journal L 236, 23.09.2003]

Last updated: 19.11.2004