“We have to consider the findings of experts and agree on a solution that is technically best, that would not bring additional fixed costs, that lowers the risks and ensures a high security of supply for our consumers,” Prime Minister Jüri Ratas emphasised today after a meeting of the Baltic States and Poland.
Ratas added that he and his Baltic and Polish counterparts are expecting a political agreement on the best solution before the European Council in June. Currently, there are three possible solutions for synchronising the Baltic electricity systems with Europe through Poland: two lines of alternating current, one line of alternating current, or one line of alternating current with a direct current connection.
Jüri Ratas, the Prime Minister of Estonia, Māris Kučinskis, the Prime Minister of Latvia, Saulius Skvernelis, the Prime Minister of Lithuania, and Jacek Czaputowicz, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, also discussed the funding of Rail Baltic from the European Union budget, and preparations for the NATO summit in July.
The leaders of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania assured in February that their priority in the discussions of the European Union budget for 2021–2027 is to ensure a funding for Rail Baltic. The European Commission submitted a proposal for the next multiannual financial framework at the beginning of May, which is now followed by proposals for the regulations and amounts for various funds. In the light of the upcoming discussions, the Baltic prime ministers and the Polish minister of foreign affairs discussed again the prospects for funding Rail Baltic.
The third subject under discussion was the security and preparations for the NATO summit on 11–12 July.
“We are approaching the NATO summit with a good message. This year, all defence expenses of the Baltic States and Poland are two per cent or more of the gross domestic product. Estonia additionally increased their contribution to the NATO operation in Afghanistan with 40 troops who are are standing side by side with the Allies of the U.S. and the United Kingdom. NATO is here in the Baltic region and we are involved with the security issues in the Southern flank of NATO,” Ratas said.
Prime Minister Ratas noted that he was very glad to have this opportunity for a thorough discussion on common significant subjects with his colleagues. “It is a sign of our close friendship. When we stand together and reach agreements, we are stronger and more able to improve the standard of living and safety of people – that is what we are striving for together and the reason for realising our joint major projects,” he said.