Launch of a new gas pipeline linking the Baltic countries to the European network

Latvian President Egils Levits, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Polish President Andrzej Duda and EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson walk near pipelines after a ceremony for a Polish-Lithuanian gas pipeline, in Jauniunai, Lithuania, May 5 2022. REUTERS - JANIS LAIZANS

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Lithuania and Poland have just inaugurated a gas pipeline linking the two countries.

The three Baltic countries are now connected to the rest of the European Union.

The security of the Baltic countries is assured, but this installation also allows the rest of the European countries to obtain supplies via Lithuania and its liquefied natural gas terminal and to reduce their dependence on Russian gas.

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With our correspondent in Vilnius

,

Marielle Vitureau

In the middle of a tangle of yellow pipes, the importance of this inauguration is up to the pump deployed.

Music and presidential speeches.

In the context of the war in Ukraine, this 500 kilometer long gas pipeline is a new weapon against Russia.

" 

We have strengthened our energy security and we have strengthened our resistance to political pressure and energy blackmail from the East

 ," said Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

At the beginning of April, Lithuania announced that it would stop importing Russian gas.

In addition to its liquefied gas terminal, it can also count on this gas pipeline.

But this connection between Poland and Lithuania works both ways and for Kadri Simson, the European Commissioner for Energy, this is a game-changer: "

 Now all member countries of the Union can have access to sources of supply alternatives.

I think this is the best show of solidarity the states showed with Poland and Bulgaria last week. 

»

The energy sector is in upheaval in the region.

Estonia and Finland have signed an agreement for the construction of a liquefied gas terminal.

Latvia is considering it.

Norway will supply gas to Poland through an undersea pipeline starting in the fall.

The abandonment of Russian hydrocarbons is on the right track.

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Also read: The Baltic states have stopped importing Russian gas

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