According to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, today’s meeting focused on energy security and preparedness for various risk scenarios. “In the event that a need emerged for the Baltic region to connect to the Central European electricity system, it would already be possible today,” she said. The Prime Minister added that security of electricity and gas supply is ensured if we coordinate our activities with our neighbours, both proactively and even more so during a potential crisis. “This is why Estonia, together with Latvia and Lithuania, would like to sign a regional agreement to provide consumers with gas in the event of a disruption in the security of supply. Energy savings are also important. We all need to make a concerted effort to reduce our consumption,” she said.
The Prime Minister pointed out that we’ve made very important decisions together throughout the year to end dependence on Russian energy. “We’ve managed to break free Russian gas and at the same time ensure that we continue to have security of gas supply in the region. In addition, we have already ended electricity trade with Russia in spring,” said Kallas.
Regarding oil, imports of Russian crude oil into the EU have been banned since 5 December and the price cap agreed by the G7 and the EU applies. In two months’ time, the ban on imports of Russian oil products, which has already came into force in Estonia on 5 December, will also apply across the EU. “These are important steps to curb the revenues of the Russian war machine. Russia is planning countermeasures to the price cap in the form of a price floor. This shows that the price cap is undoubtedly a hinderance to them. But more needs to be done to reduce Russian energy revenues. We'll return to discussions on the oil price cap in the EU in January,” the Prime Minister added.
According to the Prime Minister, support for Ukraine was also discussed at the meeting. “Our support for Ukraine will continue for as long as it takes until Ukraine wins this war. Russian soldiers must leave Ukrainian territory. This is the way to peace. Talks of peace or a ceasefire today are dangerous. This serves Russian military interests. A pause would give them time to prepare a new offensive as well as train the mobilised,” emphasised Kallas.
The work of the Baltic Council of Ministers has been led by Latvia in 2022 and Prime Minister Kallas thanked the Latvian Prime Minister for his excellent leadership of Baltic cooperation. “Estonia will take over this role next year. I look forward to welcoming the Latvian and Lithuanian prime ministers to Estonia in early February,” said Kallas.
The full text of Prime Minister Kallas’ address can be found online at https://valitsus.ee/en/news/prime-minister-kaja-kallas-press-statement-after-meeting-heads-government-baltic-countries
Gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72177720304320417/
