Press Releases

Finland’s experience in energy development is important for Lithuania

Saturday, October 29, Helsinki - Bilateral cooperation and EU economic stability were among the topics discussed by President Dalia Grybauskaitė and the President of Finland, Tarja Halonen. During their meeting in Helsinki today, they also exchanged opinions on nuclear safety and energy issues. President Dalia Grybauskaitė is currently in Finland on a working visit.

The President underlined that Finland, with its huge experience in waste processing, biofuels and other alternative energy sources, was a model example for Lithuania in attaining effective energy use and a stronger energy sector.

"There are many ways to end national dependency on gas monopoly. We have to use all available and appropriate instruments: to simultaneously build a LGT, power interconnections and the Visaginas nuclear power plant as well as develop waste processing, biofuels and other alternatives. There is a lot we can learn from Finland in this field," the President said.

According to Dalia Grybauskaitė, more alternatives will increase competition and reduce energy prices for consumers. The President invited Finnish companies to participate in waste burning, biofuel and other energy projects in Lithuania. The Finnish company Fortum Heat is already taking part in the construction of a new heat and power plant in Klaipėda.

There are ambitious plans to generate one-third of energy from alternatives and renewables at the Klaipėda power plant in ten years' time.

With Lithuania and Finland set to remain nuclear energy countries, President Dalia Grybauskaitė urged that all global nuclear projects be carried out safely, responsibly and in full compliance with the most stringent international standards.

After their meeting, the Lithuanian and Finnish presidents will attend the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Women's Council of Finland. President Dalia Grybauskaitė will deliver a welcome address. Both presidents are members of the Council of Women World Leaders and place a strong focus on the empowerment of women through democracy. At the initiative of Dalia Grybauskaitė and Tarja Halonen, a major women leaders event ("Women Enhancing Democracy: Best Practices") was held in Vilnius on June 30. The global role of women will be also discussed at today's meeting celebrating 100 years of the National Women's Council of Finland .

Press Service of the President