Poland – Lithuania gas connector ends energy isolation

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker signed the grant agreement on the GIPL (Gas Interconnector Poland – Lithuania), the first pipeline connecting Poland and Lithuania. The gas interconnector will end the isolation of the Baltic Sea region. The pipeline is set to be finished by December 2019.

A central element of the EU’s Energy Union strategy is bridging missing links in the energy infrastructure. The solidarity shown by the participating member states shows how joining forces can make all parts of the European Union stronger and more resilient to potential shortages. The participating states are committed to work together also in the future to further reinforce the region’s integration into the EU’s internal energy market.

The Commission has committed itself to creating links that allow energy to flow where it is most needed and to ensure that every member state has access to at least three sources for energy. Building missing cross-border links between the Baltic Sea region and the rest of the EU energy market is a priority for the Commission.

“Today’s signature is about European solidarity. It is about leaders taking responsible decisions to increase our security and strengthen our resilience. Today we have done much more than bringing the energy isolation of the Baltic States to an end. We have brought the region further together. Today we have agreed on European infrastructure that will unite us, instead of dividing us.” Juncker said.