Creating a common energy market by 2014 will be Lithuania’s priority as the current EU president, the country’s head of state has announced.
President Daria Gribauskaite told the European Parliament that Lithuania’s priority in the new role will be to accelerate the creation of the joined market.
The country is also hoping to see a modernised energy infrastructure funded via EU investment.
“An internal EU energy market should come to life by 2014 and by 2015 no country should be excluded from European gas and energy networks,” Gribauskaite said.
The European Commission estimates that a fully integrated European market could save 35billion euros (£30billion) on electricity expenses, compared to 2012.
The Eastern-European country, who took over the EU presidency on Monday, is currently in conflict with Gazprom over their gas supplies.
Lithuania aims to split the state operator Lietuvos Dujos, in which Gazprom holds a 37.1% stake, into transport and sales companies, which would see the Russian giant lose control over the country’s gas market.
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