October 2013
Message from the President
2 The Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union started on 1 July 2013 and will run until 1 January 2014. The future of energy in Lithuania’s regions and cities
3 The Kaunas City Municipality Sustainable Energy Action Plan The renewable energy action plan of Zarasai district
4 Committee of the Regions holds joint meetings with the Lithuanian Presidency in Vilnius
5 147th CoR Bureau meeting
6 The Eastern Partnership of Local and Regional Authorities Conference Lithuanian Members of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions
The activity report of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions
Do Europe’s regions and cities have a safe, secure and sustainable energy supply? EPP seminar: Towards a future with secure and affordable energy for all A secure energy supply is a precondition to smart, sustainable and economic development. It gives people the means to communicate, work, travel and live. However, energy security remains a major challenge in Europe and beyond. On 18 October, the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions will gather in Kaunas, on the invitation of Mayor Andrius Kupčinskas, to consider the most critical energy challenges. The meeting will take place just one day after the World Energy Congress concludes its debates on the Energy Trilemma in Korea. Continued on page 2
Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union An interconnected, secure and efficient internal energy market is crucial both for the European economy and for the well-being of our citizens. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of Lithuania
7 Ongoing Opinions Upcoming meetings
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Kaunas and Zarasai as leading examples of local, sustainable energy practice Lithuania has many examples of best practice when it comes to energy. Andrius Kupčinskas and Arnoldas Abramavicius share case studies from their constituencies on page 4-5
For the second semester of 2013, Lithuania has assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time. The Presidency places a great responsibility on Lithuania and its public service. It is also an opportunity to present the country, strengthen links to Europe, and contribute to the well-being of all European citizens. The objectives of the Lithuanian Presidency are as to pursue the following: a credible Europe with a stable financial sector and public finance
and effective growth oriented EU economic governance and stronger social dimension; a growing Europe through greater investment into research and technological development, deeper integration of the internal market, as well as better employment opportunities and sustainable social security; and an open Europe able to tackle global challenges effectively, promoting democratic values, contributing to safe neighbourhood, and actively protecting the rights of EU citizens. Read more on page 3
Committee of the Regions holds joint meetings with the Lithuanian Presidency in Vilnius “We welcome the Lithuanian EU Presidency’s commitment to creating a sustainable competitive energy market. This is fundamental in helping us not only meet the Europe 2020 targets and move towards a truly resourceefficient society, but also to compete on the global stage spurring much needed economic growth”. Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, President of the Committee of the Regions Continued on page 6-7
Message from the President The EPP Group is convinced that any successful EU policy for energy must take the interests of both producers and consumers into account. The environmental and climatic impacts must also be duly considered. Government has a difficult task in striking the right balance between securing energy supplies, providing universal energy access and promoting environmental protection. Addressing this task requires a long-term vision, well-defined milestones and proper analysis of the real costs. Given that 70% of EU energy is used in urban areas and against the backdrop of the global economic downturn, we are calling for improved cooperation between the different levels of government.
“Today Europe needs new drivers for competitiveness. One of the biggest potential for growth lies in the energy sector. In order to ensure use of this potential, we all need to confront three related challenges in the energy sector today: the security of energy supplies, the continuing failure to complete Europe’s internal energy market and a balanced climate policy. All require a response at the European level. Only decisive action, bigger solidarity and joint efforts of all EU member states and institutions can address the issue of high energy prices.” Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of Lithuania
The important role of regions and municipalities in terms of coordinating local energy development is well founded. The Kaunas meeting will therefore be an opportunity to hear how investment in local sustainable energy projects
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contribute to the achievement of the EU energy and climate objectives while boosting local economies, creating local jobs, maintaining affordable energy prices and improving the EU’s energy security. Energy efficiency and alternative low-
carbon energy technologies will also be addressed. Europe’s nuclear and obsolete power plants will not be ignored. The closure of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in 2009 has had a significant impact on energy security in all Baltic States, and especially in Lithuania. Energy security is therefore high on the agenda of the Lithuanian Presidency. Their message is clear: the country’s main principles and goals are diversification of supplies and Lithuania’s integration into European networks. Therefore, the Lithuanian Presidency closely cooperates with the Member States to complete the EU internal energy market as scheduled for 2014. According to statistics from Union of the Electricity Industry, 2020 45% of all power plants will be renewable based, generating some 31% of Europe’s electricity. Low-carbon electricity from nuclear and renewables will account for 56% of all electricity generated.
The Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union started on 1 July 2013 and will run until 1 January 2014. the EU external energy policy and to have it coordinated at all levels. Consistent, steady and constructive external energy policies of the European Union are crucial to ensuring the energy security and fair prices for energy resources. Lithuania during its presidency will aim to make this issue topical on the agenda, initiating discussions on further steps of the EU. The following priorities have been defined in the field of Cohesion Policy, macro-regional strategies and energy policy.
Energy policy The completion of the EU’s internal energy market, strengthening the external dimension of EU energy policy, completing discussions on the draft directive on biofuels, setting the 2030 framework for energy and climate policies and facilitating discussions on the update of the nuclear safety directive are some of the Lithuanian Presidency’s main priorities.
Cohesion Policy The Presidency will continue negotiations with the European Parliament on the regulations for 2014-2020, aiming for the adoption of the legislation before the end of 2013. An informal meeting of ministers in charge of Cohesion Policy is scheduled for November. The Lithuanian Presidency will also work on the Commission’s proposal regarding the amendment of the General Regulation for 2007-2013, in order to
provide certain measures for EU countries experiencing difficulties in relation to the economic and financial crisis (for example, the n+3 rule for Romania and Slovakia).
Macro-regional strategies There are two defined regions in the European Union with macro regional strategies – the Baltic sea region strategy, adopted in October 2009 and the EU strategy for the Danube region, endorsed at the general affairs council in 2011. The Presidency will propose the adoption of the Council conclusions on the added-value of macro-regional strategies and will propose actions to further strengthen their regional and thematic role. The Presidency will host the 4th Annual Forum of the Baltic Sea Strategy, dedicated to environmental protection.
Energy security can be ensured only through diversification of energy supply sources, providing freedom to choose them, and by strengthening the EU energy market from inside. During its presidency Lithuania will seek progress in creating completing the EU internal energy market by 2014. A single market will help avoid energy islands in the EU. Another important task for the Lithuanian presidency of the EU Council is to enhance
The future of energy in Lithuania’s regions and cities Lithuania does not have any major sources of fossil fuels and has to import more than 90 % of primary energy. Currently when the energy demands constantly increase and traditional ways of energy generation impact on the environment, the development of renewable energy sources consumption is very important. Lithuania closed the unsafe Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant at the end of 2009 following its Accession negotiations to the EU. Electricity was a major export until the closure of this nuclear plant. The Government has insisted that Lithuania is still a nuclear country.
The European Commission fully shares the view of Lithuania on the particular situation of the Baltic States regarding dependence from a single external supplier of natural
gas. However, it suggests that Lithuania’s energy security could be increased by implementing projects for building new import infrastructure, gas storage facilities, and by expanding the connection of the Lithuania’s energy system with the system of other EU Member States. Energy security can also be increased by greater efficiency of the use of energy resources through various means such as insulation of old buildings and developing local renewable energy sources such as biomass, geothermal energy and wind power.
The activity report of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions
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The Kaunas City Municipality Sustainable Energy Action Plan “We are not making barriers for industry but stimulating the renovation of technologies” Andrius Kupčinskas, Mayor of Kaunas City The goals will be reached through the following:
In 2009 Kaunas joined the Covenant of Mayors, a European initiative gathering more than 5000 local and regional authorities voluntarily committed to meet and exceed the EU objective of 20% CO2 reduction by 2020 enhancing energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy sources (www. covenantofmayors.eu). As a member of the Covenant of Mayors, Kaunas City has elaborated a Sustainable Energy Action Plan.
• renovation of public and residential buildings; • modernization of energy generating capacities; • conversion of boiler-houses and power plants to renewable energy sources; • building of new plant burning municipal waste; • renovation of district heating supply systems; • renovation of public transport; • bicycle paths; • awareness raising The total implementation budget is over LTL1.4 billion, including about LTL147.7 million of Kaunas City Municipality budget and the rest is the support of the EU funds: the main financial resources for the renewable energy projects are the EU Structural Funds as well as other foreign states, also state budget and private funds.
Contact: UAB „AF-Enprima“, Gintvilė Žvirblytė, Phone: +370 5 210 72 10, gintvile. zvirblyte@afconsult.com Solar energy boom, Kaunas Region, Lithuania - ENNEREG Good Practice in Renewable Energy In Kaunas region, the development of electricity generation from PV installations is based on feed-in tariffs and the expansion of solar-thermal installations on the possibilities for reducing heating costs. The introduction of new feed-in tariffs, coming into force in 2012 initiated a solar energy boom in Kaunas Region and in the whole of Lithuania. Though capacities of such PVs are not very high, these pioneer plants make solar energy the match for the rest of renewables. On the other hand, the use of solar energy for generating hot water via solar collectors becomes more and more popular in individual, block residential and public houses, as they reduce heat costs during the non-heating period. Contact: Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos str. 3, LT-44403 Kaunas, Lithuania Farida Dzenajavičienė, farida@mail.lei.lt
The renewable energy action plan of Zarasai district “We have a responsibility to raise the public awareness of renewable energy and solving energy efficiency issues in Zarasai district.” Arnoldas Abramavicius, Mayor of Zarasai District Municipality The general aims of renewable energy action plan are set out as following:
• reduce energy use; • promote the use of sustainable transport; • implement renewable energy wherever possible;
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• develop energy plantation areas in Zarasai district; • involve communities and encourage them to save energy and use energy efficiency measures; • demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of using renewable energy; • promote energy efficiency, energy saving and renewable energies in buildings sector; • use bio fuels in public fleets; • use of hybrid and electric vehicles; the use of renewable energy resources (biomass) to produce thermal energy for district heating; • promote pilot projects to demonstrate the economic, social and environmental advantages of
energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. The results will be used in the Zarasai strategic development plan for year 20142020.
renewable energy sources are to be promoted as a driving force for business, technology, and engineering in the Baltic Sea Region. Zarasai District Municipality Administration is a partner in this project, which has contributed to raising the public awareness of renewable energy and solving energy efficiency issues in the district. During the project activities Zarasai district municipality prepared several energy audits for public buildings and technical projects for reconstruction of these buildings in terms of energy efficiency. This was also the opportunity to prepare a renewable energy action plan for the Zarasai district.
PEA, Zarasai District Municipality, Lithuania – ERDF funded project
Total project budget: 3732080 EUR
The Public Energy Alternatives partnership is a partly EU-funded project through which
Contact: Zarasai District Municipality Administration, Jurgita Kostiakovaite, www.zarasai.lt
Committee of the Regions holds joint meetings with the Lithuanian Presidency in Vilnius “Local governments and local businesses need better access and more flexibility to funds. Consumer choice must also be at the heart of the strategy to drive competition and push down energy prices” Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, President of the Committee of the Regions
Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) Commission Local and regional environmental issues and the Eastern Partnership were on the agenda for meetings of the Committee of the Regions at the Vilnius National Gallery of Art on 2-3 September. The first CoR event was the meeting of ENVE, which was chaired by Ugo Cappellacci. In addition to the adoption of an opinion from Adam Struzik,
Marshal of the Polish Mazowsze region, on an EU industrial policy for space, issues for discussion included green infrastructure, the EU Strategy for adaptation to climate change and European plastic waste. Attendees of this meeting visited Vilnius city heating supply company “Vilniaus energija“.
Resource-efficient Europe: the contribution of cities and regions A Europe 2020 Strategy development conference, organised in collaboration with the Lithuanian EU Presidency, took place on 2-3 September at the National Gallery of Art. During the three sessions of the meeting, the effective use of resources and the renewable energy outlook for regions were discussed. Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, President of the Committee of the Regions, stressed the importance of the EU’s energy market in tackling the crisis. Speaking in the
presence of the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Algirdas Butkevičius, President Valcárcel argued that more was urgently needed to improve conditions to allow far greater local and regional energy investment across Europe. The conference was also attended by the Minister of Environment Valentinas Mazuronis. Michel Lebrun, chairing the first session, encouraged local and regional authorities to manage waste sustainably. “We should head
The activity report of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions
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towards a zero-waste society” he stressed before calling for a European framework of incentives and binding objectives towards the reuse, recycling and reduction of municipal waste and the conversion of waste into energy. Adam Struzik presented the effective use of resources. He highlighted the role of Mazovian Energy Agency in meeting sustainable energy objectives, as well as a range of projects on the preservation of biodiversity and promotion of ecological education. Ugo Cappellacci, President of Sardinia, shared the region’s energy policies and ambitions stating that the Region
147th CoR Bureau meeting The Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, Algirdas Butkevičius, and Vice Minister of Energy Žydrūnė Juodkienė participated in the CoR Bureau meeting in Vilnius on 3 September. Addressing participants, the Prime Minister stressed that cooperation with the local and regional government is among the key elements bringing success to the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He also pointed out that decentralised administration is much more efficient in a number of policy areas both in terms of costs and quality of services and it is also closer to citizens. “Local and regional governance is vital with a view to creating a single energy market, and especially while making decisions on efficient resource management. Decisions taken at this level ensure sustainable and long-term growth and competitiveness of the European Union’s economy” he added. Arnoldas Ambramavicius delivered a welcome speech highlighting the benefits of Lithuanian membership of the EU.
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of Sardinia has approved an ambitious government programme, which could provide best practice for other local and regional authorities. He particularly highlighted the results of projects for green Chemistry and carbon capture and storage. To conclude, President Valcárcel called on the Lithuanian Presidency to make EU funds and financial tools more available to local and regional government. In particular, he said that access to European Investment Bank funds should be simplified and EU cohesion financing should be supplemented
with investment geared towards supporting efficient energy consumption, small-scale production and smart grid development. This is the 6th in a series of conferences being organised by the CoR that assess the implementation of the Europe 2020 flagship initiatives at a local and regional level. The conclusions of the conferences will feed into the CoR’s contribution to the European Commission’s midterm assessment of the 2020 Strategy. The CoR review is to be adopted at the 2014 European Summit of Regions and Cities on 6-7 March next year.
The Eastern Partnership of Local and Regional Authorities Conference the Eastern Partnership’s policies for citizens, local authorities must be involved as active partners in the Eastern Partnership strategy. Looking ahead, it called for concrete action in three main areas:
Mayors and regional elected representatives from the EU and Eastern Partnership countries adopted political recommendations ahead of the forthcoming 3rd Eastern Partnership Summit of Heads of State giving new impetus to the initiative. Meeting in Vilnius on 3 September, the Conference of the Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP) agreed that in order to make a decisive difference in
• financial autonomy and fiscal capacity; • public administration reform, including local and regional authorities; • territorial cooperation across the Eastern Partnership (EaP) space. The meeting was attended by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrius Krivas who said “The Eastern Partnership is one of the priorities of Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU. The valuable recommendations from this conference
will make a real contribution in helping to successfully deliver the Eastern Partnership initiative. We strongly believe that the democratic transformation in Eastern Europe cannot be achieved without the sound functioning of local and regional authorities.” Franz Schausbeger, delegate of Salzburg, called for enhanced cooperation between the EU and EaP local and regional authorities and the exchange of good practices. CORLEAP will participate to the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit on 2829 November 2013 where it will deliver its recommendations. Based on the Summit’s conclusions CORLEAP will then develop its Action Plan for 2014-2015.
Lithuanian Members of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions
Arnoldas Abramavicius, Mayor of the Zarasai district municipality
Alternates Viktoras Trofimovas, Member of Panevezys municipal council Algirdas Vrubliauskas, Mayor of Alytaus district municipal council The Committee of the Regions is an advisory body representing the European Union’s local and regional authorities. External meetings of this Committee are traditionally held in
Andrius Kupčinskas, Mayor of Kaunas city municipality
the EU Presidency country. The European People’s Party is the largest political Group in the Committee of the Regions. It is the CoR’s driving force in the EU decision making process. Thanks to its size, the EPP Group authors many opinions and is only the winning side of most decisions. It also regularly tables resolutions for adoption by the Plenary and influences its political decisions.
Lithuanian Presidency Referrals Recommendation For Better Spending Rapporteur: Alberto Nuñez Feijóo – adopted at the October Plenary Session Evaluation of macro-regional strategies Rapporteur: Pauliina Haijanen – to be adopted during November Plenary Session
The activity report of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions
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Ongoing Opinions Comission
Opinion
Rapporteur
Expected Adoption
CIVEX
Enlargement Strategy 2013
Arnoldas Abramavicius, Mayor of Zarasai municipality, Lithuania.
April 2014
COTER
Evaluation of Macro-Regional Strategies
Pauliina Haijanen, Member of the Executive Board of Laitila City Council
November 2013
ECOS
Opinion on the Directive on E-Invoicing And On End-to-End E-Procurement
Catarina Segersten Larsson, Member of the Assembly of Värmland County Council
November 2013
EDUC
Disability, Sport and Leisure: A Major Element Of The Sport For All Project, Part Of The Europe 2020 Strategy
Jacques Blanc, Mayor of La Canourgue, France
November 2013
EDUC
European higher education in the world
Csaba Borboly, President of Harghita County Council, Romania
February 2014
ENVE
Green paper on Framing 2030 climate and energy policy
Sirpa HERTELL, Member of the Espoo City Council, Finland
January 2014
NAT
Strategic Guidelines for the Sustainable Development of EU Aquaculture
Marialuisa Coppola, Councillor of the Veneto Region, Italy
November 2013
NAT
Health Inequalities in the European Union
Constance Hanniffy, Offally County Councillor, Ireland
tbc
NAT
EU Forest Strategy
Spyros Spyridon, Councillor of the Region of Attica, Greece
tbc
JCC Montenegro
Increasing Absorption Capacity of EU Pre-Accession Funds and improving Administrative Capacity at the Local Level in Montenegro
Witold Stepien, President of the Łódzkie voivodeship, Poland (and Aleksandar Bogdanović, Cetinje, Montenegro)
November 2013
Upcoming meetings 18 October
EPP Group seminar
Kaunas
EPP Winter University
Brussels
7 November
CAFA
Brussels
8 November
PMG (CoR & EESC)
Brussels
13 November
EDUC
Brussels
14 November
Ad Hoc Budget
Brussels
25 November
CIVEX
Brussels
14 November
WG Western Balkans
Brussels
20 November
JCC Montenegro
Brussels
21 November
WG Turkey
Ankara
5-7 November
Secretary General: Heinz-Peter Knapp Editor in chief: Kathryn Owens, kathryn.owens@cor.europa.eu, +32 2 282 2400 | Press Officer: Dominik Krakowiak This issue is also available at www.epp.cor.europa.eu | Join us on
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