Minister Vaičiūnas’s visit to Paris: Continuity of support for Ukraine’s energy sector and regional cooperation

On 18-19 February, Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas attended the biennial International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial Meeting in Paris - one of the key events in global energy policy. Discussions focused on energy security, the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure, energy accessibility and affordability, energy innovation, critical minerals, investment in clean energy and supply chain resilience.

"Today, the protection of critical energy infrastructure is essential not only for national security, but also for the security of Europe as a whole and of other countries worldwide. Not only must we respond to threats - we must also systematically strengthen our preparedness by ensuring reliable electricity supply routes, accelerating the development of renewable energy and creating a regulatory environment that encourages investment. Only coordinated cooperation between states will ensure energy security both in Europe and beyond," said Minister Vaičiūnas.  

During the visit, the minister joined his Polish counterpart, Miłosz Motyka, to co-chair the IEA High-Level Dialogue on Investing in Ukraine's Future Energy Security, which focused on rebuilding Ukraine's energy system, strengthening its resilience and securing long-term investment in the country's energy security. In the discussion, the ministers reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine, condemned russia's unlawful war of aggression and urged all countries to step up their assistance to the Ukrainian people. The IEA was also encouraged to continue its work aimed at assisting Ukraine both in the short term and in the longer perspective.

"Ukraine's energy sector continues to be a target of russia's attacks, and russia's energy terror is deliberately aimed at cutting off electricity, heating and water supplies to the people of Ukraine. The support of IEA members to Ukraine is therefore of particular importance, and Lithuania's assistance in restoring energy infrastructure is our priority. Access to electricity is a human right, and Ukraine is defending it courageously. We immediately responded to the critical situation in Kyiv and, together with Lithuanian energy companies, organised the delivery of generators to Ukraine. Lithuania supports Ukraine's ambition to build a safer, more decentralised and more European-integrated energy system. This requires faster investment by international partners and a clear regulatory environment that sends a signal that Ukraine is open to business investment and has a strong vision for the future," said Minister Vaičiūnas. 

Together with other IEA countries participating in the IEA-Ukraine Partnership Programme, Lithuania has endorsed a Joint Statement stressing the need to strengthen the IEA's role and step up member support for Ukraine, including additional funding, regulatory assistance and measures to attract investment into Ukraine's energy sector. 

Since russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been under constant attack, leaving hospitals, schools and kindergartens struggling to function during prolonged power outages. The Ministry of Energy, in cooperation with the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA), has initiated a programme to equip key social sector institutions in Ukraine with solar panels and electricity storage systems. Under this programme, 26 projects were initiated in 2025 to install solar power plants and electricity storage units in Ukraine's hospitals, schools and kindergartens. Today, 10 such systems are already up and running (for example, at the Kyiv City Clinical Hospital and the Irpin kindergarten), and all 26 projects are expected to be completed this spring. Lithuania is also working with international partners to identify additional funding and development opportunities for this project.

During the visit, Minister Vaičiūnas also took part in a bilateral meeting with the Polish Minister of Energy, Miłosz Motyka. The ministers stressed the importance of protecting critical energy infrastructure and the need to ensure consistent funding for this area in the next stage of the European Union's Multiannual Financial Framework. Progress on the Harmony Link power interconnection and further cooperation initiatives were discussed as well.

In Paris, Lithuania, Germany and Latvia also signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on assessing the feasibility of a new submarine power interconnector, the Baltic-German PowerLink. The document aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation in developing renewable electricity generation capacities and a hybrid interconnection between the Baltic States and Germany.

During the visit, Minister Vaičiūnas also attended a meeting of the three Baltic States and Finland to discuss regional cooperation, including gas supply flexibility in the region.