“Independent energy system of the Baltic States is largely dependent on the position of Latvia”. Such conclusion was made at the discussions on energy issues, held at the Estonian Embassy in Lithuania, reported to IA REGNUM on 2 July at the diplomatic representation of this state.

“Further steps of Latvia will have impact as on the prices, as on the pace of the Baltic States in merging with the single European market”, - stated participants of the discussion – the sellers of energy and analysts of this particular sphere of business.

“Decisions of Latvia are expected as in the electricity as in the gas sectors. Energy market is waiting for joining of Latvia into the Nord Pool Spot exchange. Gas sector is looking for the Latvian decision on permitting the future Lithuanian LNG terminal to use the underground gas repository”, - stated the Eesti Energia representative during the discussions.

Moderator of the discussions Robert Juodka, representing the Law Firm VARUL, noted that the possibility of using the Latvian gas repository in general is among the conditions of effective operation of the Lithuanian terminal of liquefied natural gas.

However, as noted by the participants of the discussion, Latvia is taking time in joining the Nord Pool Spot exchange. The proximate steps may be expected only in 2013.

As earlier reported by IA REGNUM, the official Vilnius continues active negotiations with Latvia, trying to convince the latter on the definite advantage of the establishment of the NPP and the LNG terminal in Lithuania. However, Latvia is rather sceptic about these strategic Lithuanian projects.

Prime Minister of Latvia stated that “the state may say ‘no’ to the Lithuania NPP”. With regards to the Lithuanian plans concerning the construction of the LNG terminal, Latvia considers that the Baltic States need a single large terminal that could attract the means of the European Union for the construction, and not just three ‘small terminals’ for each of the three states.

Material has been prepared by the Centre of Geopolitical Studies with reference to the article from "IA REGNUM" of 02 07 2012.

According to the representative of the Russian opposition Leonid Gozman, Russia may not like the Baltic States and be an uncomfortable neighbour for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, however is inoffensive for them, because it has finally accepted the fact of their independence.

It is easier to start business in Estonia than in Latvia and Lithuania, therefore more new firms are established in our country than in other Baltic States – refer to a new study SEB analysts and entrepreneurs.

President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso received in Brussels representatives of the Lithuanian Government and promised to help the country to pass on to Euro in 2015.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius and the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, signed in Brussels a joint plan on combating the illicit trafficking in nuclear and radioactive materials, reported in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania.

This was stated by the Prime Minister of Lithuania Algirdas Butkevicius, speaking about the powers of negotiators with the Russian company "Gazprom".