Chairmans's Conclusions of Prime Minister's Council of the Baltic Council of Ministers [03 Oct 2007]

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia Mr. Aigars Kalvitis, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia Mr. Andrus Ansip, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania Mr. Gediminas Kirkilas met as the Prime Ministers' Council within the framework of the Baltic Council of Ministers (BCM) on 2^nd – 3^rd October 2007 in Dikli, Latvia.

The Prime Ministers of the Baltic States discussed matters of trilateral importance as well as current foreign policy issues.

 

Energy cooperation

The Prime Ministers recognized that the various issues related to the development of the energy sector have become very important and crucial not only in the Baltic States but also in the whole European Union. Taking into account the importance of the security of energy markets of the Baltic States, the Prime Ministers stressed the necessity of permanent co-operation between the energy authorities and energy companies of the Baltic States.

The Prime Ministers emphasized the importance of the integration of power and gas supply systems into the energy systems and energy markets of the EU. Further development and implementation of interconnection projects in the region of the Baltic States should be fostered in order to ensure energy market integration within the EU. In addition, it was agreed that the power interconnection projects with the neighbouring EU countries should be further developed thus paving the way for further integration into UCTE and NORDEL systems.

The Prime Ministers recognized the efforts of the three Baltic Energy companies, in cooperation with Poland, in the promotion of the implementation of Ignalina Nuclear Power plant and expressed hope for more successful cooperation within the project development stage in future.

The Prime Ministers stressed necessity to continue cooperation and exchange of views on topical EU issues in the field of energy. Recognizing the need for a common approach and position in order to implement the European Energy policy in the Baltic countries, the Prime Ministers agreed to adopt a common Baltic Energy Strategy in the nearest future.

 

Schengen accession and cooperation

The Prime Ministers emphasized the progress made on the implementation of the relevant parts of the Schengen acquis and invited the Council of the European Union to adopt the decision on abolition of the border control at the internal borders within the established timeframe, namely, by the end of December 2007 for sea and land borders and as latest by the end of March 2008 for air borders.

The Prime Ministers shared the position that it is important to continue the current successful cooperation between the Baltic States, while enhancing the links between the respective law enforcement agencies both in information exchange and in participation in common operations.

 

Economic situation

The Prime Ministers discussed the current economic situation in the Baltic States and highlighted the internal and external economic risks and conditions specific to the three countries. Opinions were exchanged on domestic and international economic policies towards socio-economic sustainability in the Baltic region.

 

Migration policy

The Prime Ministers underlined that legal migration when managed effectively can have a substantially positive impact on both the country of destination and the country of origin. It is therefore essential to get the balance between combating the illegal immigration and welcoming those migrants we need for our economy.

Recognizing that the lack of qualified labor force is a common challenge not only with respect to the Baltic States, but also for the whole EU, the Prime Ministers welcomed further development of coherent EU legal migration policy.

The Prime Ministers emphasized importance of further development of the EU visa regime and migration policy facilitation mechanisms for the EU's Eastern neighbours, in particular, concluding a visa facilitation agreement with Georgia, and finalizing the one with Moldova.

 

Trade in emission quotas

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their support for balanced climate change mitigation policy. The Prime Ministers expressed their hope that the national circumstances will be taken into account in appropriate manner while determining contributions of individual states towards the EU's common greenhouse gas emission reduction goal.

The Prime Ministers expressed their support to the development of transparent and fair EU emission trading scheme that does not constrain the development goals of the Member States.

 

Council Directive for gas oil

The Prime Ministers confirmed their strong support to the objectives of lowering CO₂ emissions and international environmental commitments in the common transport policy pattern.

At the same time the Prime Ministers expressed their concerns whether the approximation of taxation applicable to commercial gas oil is the only tool in order to reduce the serious distortions of competition, which affect haulage markets so as to better achieve the common transport policy objectives, and to ensure a more efficient protection of the environment.

 

EU – Russia relations

The Prime Ministers discussed relations with Russia and emphasized the interest to develop constructive relations with Russia. The Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the ratification of Latvian-Russian border treaty by Russian parliament and expressed hope for its prompt entry into force.

The Prime Ministers discussed the traffic congestion problems on the EU-Russia border and measures to relieve the situation. The Prime Ministers underlined the importance of realization of the pilot project on customs information exchange and development of the road infrastructure linked to the EU-Russia border, both of which are included in the agreed EU-Russia strategy for solving the border-crossing problems.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their support for Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization. In this context they underlined the importance of solving all relevant outstanding issues in timely manner such as elimination of all discriminatory railway tariffs and fulfillment of commitments regarding export duties on roundwood timber.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their interests in building with Russia a true energy partnership based on the principles of transparency, fair competition, reciprocity and non-discrimination. A rapid solution of Druzhba pipeline problems and renewing of oil supplies to Lithuania and Latvia is important for enhancing the trust in EU-Russia energy partnership.

The Prime Ministers discussed preparation for the EU-Russia Summit and agreed that its success will be judged according to progress in solving outstanding key issues with Russia.

 

European Neighbourhood policy

The Prime Ministers exchanged views on further development and strengthening of the European Neighbourhood Policy, namely, establishing of new efficient financing mechanisms. Furthermore, the necessity to maintain ENP high on the agenda of the European Union was emphasized. The Prime Ministers reiterated commitment to support European aspirations of the East European neighbours. The Prime Ministers expressed hope that the results of the recent Parliamentary Elections in the Ukraine would ensure strengthening of the Ukraine – EU relations.

 

Visa – free regime with the USA

The Prime Ministers of the Baltic States welcomed the US Congress legislation approved by the US President as a significant step forward. However, the legislation does not fully meet the expectations and as a result some of the closest allies of the United States will still be subject to artificial barriers. The Prime Ministers reiterated that the visa free regime is one of the priorities of the Baltic States towards the US and expressed their determination to continue an open dialogue about political and technical aspects of the US Visa Waiver Program.

The next Prime Ministers' Council meeting will be held during the Estonian presidency in 2008.

State Chancellery