Energy independence from Russia must become EU's strategic goal – Lithuania's Nauseda

VILNIUS - Energy independence from Russia must become the European Union's strategic goal, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda says, and faster synchronization with the continental European networks would increase the security of the whole of the EU.

"Energy independence from Russia must become the European Union's strategic objective. Synchronization is an important part of this process. Connecting as quickly as possible to the European power networks would increase the energy security of the Baltic states and the EU as a whole," the Lithuanian president was quoted as saying in a statement released by his press service on Monday following his meeting with visiting European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson.

Lithuania's ambition is to complete the synchronization project and connect to the European power networks by 2024, Nauseda said, adding that the European Commission's political, technical and financial support in this process is key.

The Lithuanian leader also stressed the importance of addressing the lack of infrastructure, securing proper gas reserves and investing in renewable energy sources to increase the EU's independence from Russian energy imports.

Reducing dependence on gas and increasing the share of renewable energy resources in countries' energy would help to solve the problems of prices and security, the Lithuanian president said.