VILNIUS- The leaders of the EU member states agreed during the EU Summit in Brussels on Dec. 12 that Lithuaniamay be granted additional pollution permits after the shutdown of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in 2009 and the resulting increase of pollution levels.
"It is important that the European Union has understood and assessed our problems, which will emerge after the final shutdown of reactors of the Ignalina nuclear facility. Separately, the EU Summit has granted additional carbon dioxide emission quotas to Lithuania, thus essentially alleviating the situation of Lithuania's population and business after 2009," President Valdas Adamkus said.
Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius added that, "Indeed, the climate change package includes the problem of Ignalina, which has been resolved with the quota of additional emissions. It proves the EU solidarity, we may expect answers how short-term problems are to be solved."
Pollution quotas will be granted to Lithuaniaconsidering the needs of its industry and population.
Kubilius said earlier that Lithuaniawould need about 4-6 million tons of additional pollution permits. The current annual quota exceeds 8 million tons.
Other issues important for Lithuania, such as the status of an "energy island", lower GDP level, advance in fighting climate change, were also considered when distributing the pollution quotas, according to a presidential press release.
"The European Union has recognized our exceptional situation, hence, we become responsible for faster implementation of this strategic task," wrote President Adamkus.
On Dec. 12 the EU Summit agreed on the energy and climate change package and the economic recovery plan, which forsees the allocation of billions of euros of unspent money under the EU budget to trans-European energy inter-connections and broadband infrastructure projects.
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