VILNIUS, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Energy independence projects and Lithuania's areas of interest in the next European Commission (EC) were discussed here on Friday by the EC's visiting Vice President, Maros Sefcovic, and his hosts, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and acting Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis.
Sefcovic is in charge of the Energy Union (EU) and temporarily also of the digital single market.
"It is very important that Lithuania and the other Baltic countries keep to a firm, unified stand on the synchronization of the Baltic power grid with continental Europe," Nauseda was quoted as saying in a statement released after his meeting with Sefcovic.
Nauseda said Lithuania aims for the smooth and rapid implementation of the synchronization project, which is to be completed before 2025.
Sefcovic praised Lithuania for doing "the best job among all member states of the EU" with regard to securing EU funding for infrastructure projects.
"Lithuania did a better job than the other EU member states. I am looking at you slightly jealously because I am from Slovakia, and we were not as successful as Lithuania in receiving funding for infrastructure development," he said.
Sefcovic said he was also convinced that EU funding to Lithuania's Ignalina nuclear power plant will continue in the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027.
During his meeting with Sevcovic, Prime Minister Skvernelis identified Lithuania's areas of interest in the next European Commission, which will start its work later this year.
"Lithuania will seek a significant portfolio in the area where it has the highest level of expertise. Our priority areas remain economic development and energy, and a breakthrough is also needed in the area of protection of the EU's external border," said Skvernelis.
Lithuania has not yet nominated its candidate for the European Commission's next five-year term.
