Gas Interconnection Poland-Lithuania

30.6.2015

Question for written answer E-010583-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Zigmantas Balčytis (S&D)

Gas Interconnection Poland-Lithuania (hereinafter the GIPL) is the only measure that aims to integrate the Baltic States and Finland into the common EU gas market and is the most important project for Lithuania within the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (hereinafter the BEMIP). The construction of the GIPL is necessary to complete the formation of the EU internal energy market and energy union. Moreover, the GIPL would form better conditions for the use of the Klaipėda Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal, would increase competition among gas suppliers in Lithuania and would reduce gas prices for consumers.

For over six months Poland has been stalling the signing of the funding of the Connecting Europe Facility (hereinafter the CEF) with the Commission, arguing that the Commission did not allocate enough funds for the CEF, which means that a portion of the expenses would have to be covered by Poland by means of a transfer fee. Poland also demands that the Baltic States undertake to pay additional fees to Poland if the GIPL loads are less than 20% of the gas pipeline’s capacity.

At present, negotiations are in a state of deadlock since Poland’s arguments have no legal grounds. If a solution is not found in time, the CEF’s funding of the GIPL may be returned to the EU budget, which may in turn postpone the implementation of the project or even terminate it.

I would like to hear the Commission’s opinion on the current situation and what measures it is planning to take or shall take to find a solution and to ensure that the project — which is essential to the energy independence of the Baltic region and the EU — is implemented on time.