Liberalisation, diversification, resilience
Lithuania’s energy reform
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Lithuania used to be highly dependent on Russia for its energy supply, making the Baltic state vulnerable to financial and political pressure from Moscow. After a decade of being unable to push through reform, Lithuania has now succeeded in reshaping the structure of the energy sector. The pioneer here is the gas market. By implementing the EU’s “third energy package”, a dividing line has been drawn between suppliers and utility providers, creating the basis for more competition. Diversification was taken one step further with the construction of a terminal in Klaipėda, meaning that now, liquid gas can also be imported. At the same time, Lithuania is developing regenerative energy sources. All this is helping to strengthen the country’s energy security.
(Osteuropa 9-10/2017, pp. 75–87)