Lithuanian parlt calls on govt to cut Russian oil, gas imports faster

  • 2022-03-23
  • BNS/TBT Staff

VILNIUS – The Lithuanian Seimas on Tuesday adopted a resolution on the embargo on imports of energy resources from Russia and other countries carrying out or supporting the ongoing military aggression against Ukraine with 117 votes in favor of the resolution, no votes against and no abstentions.

The document calls on the government to propose solutions to end the import and use of Russian oil and natural gas as soon as possible.

The Seimas proposes t the Government to accelerate the strategic project to synchronize Lithuania's energy system with continental European networks, and to prepare legislation enabling companies to terminate their contracts on the purchase of Russian resources. The government is also urged to urgently submit proposals on the development of renewable energy sources and to promote home production of electricity.

Moreover, the government is also urged to submit to the Seimas as soon as possible a plan for the compensation of economic consequences and increased energy costs for the Lithuanian population and businesses, including necessary legislation and decisions.

"It is not so much a matter of urging, but of shaping a very clear political will that we need to move away from energy dependence because, based on the latest OECD data, Lithuania remains the most dependent on Russia for energy resources among the OECD countries," Vytautas Bakas said while introducing the draft resolution ahead of the vote.