On February 4, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas met in Riga, Latvia to sign a statement on the EU Climate Change package, commenting that the new climate change package is raising major challenges but is also creating opportunities for economies and societies. The Lithuanian prime minister noted that the habits of the Baltic population in choosing and driving cars, heating homes, protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, and forests are very different, so cooperation in exchanging best practises will help to achieve the common goals of the Green Agenda.
According to the joint statement, the EU member states vary significantly, so there is a need for solutions that recognize national and regional differences. Economic and social structures of member states, different starting points in terms of emissions and renewables, the emission reduction potential, as well as efforts made to date must be taken into account, allowing for tailored solutions to be implemented and leading to the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050.
Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets must not violate the principle of “leaving no one behind” and must not shift the burden of responsibility to the member states facing the greatest transformational challenges, according to the joint statement .
There is a need to find ways to mitigate risks regarding the price increases and review the current carbon price fluctuation mechanism for reacting to sudden price increases. The ETS needs to provide predictable carbon prices for companies, the joint statement said.
Lithuania has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent by 2030, compared to the 1990 level, and to ensure that the Lithuanian economy is not only circular but also climate neutral. LRT.lt
