Vjaceslavs Dombrovskis

Latvian Parliamentary Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee has not yet addressed the issue of the Visagina Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). It will be done as soon as such a request appears, says Vjaceslavs Dombrovskis, Chairman of the Committee.

If Lithuania builds its own NPP, it will definitely serve as a development boost. Latvia needs to come up with its own conditions to get the most out of the project, he says.

“It would not be good, if we did not participate in the Visagina project and the plant was built in Kaliningrad instead. Neither will it be good if we invest a billion of euros in the development of Lithuania, while failing, for example, to produce trains.”

He is convinced that it would be only fair if the European Union provided funding for large infrastructure objects evenly to all Baltic states.

“It is Estonians who are benefiting the most from Rail Baltica, while Lithuanians have received a lot of money to close down Ignalina NPP and now go ahead with Visagina NPP. The third major project, which does not require that much financial resources, is a liquefied gas terminal. It would be logical if we got to build it. However, Lithuanians also want to do it.”

Dombrovskis points out that Latvia needs to come up with its own conditions. For example, when it comes to scientific and technical potential, “we have universities and research institutes that could be involved. We could also talk about participation of construction companies.”

“Our list of conditions can be ambitious enough. At least at the beginning,” Dombrovskis adds.

As reported, the NPP concession agreement must be signed until June 28. The project is estimated to cost 5 billion euro.

Ref: 104.105.105.105.1600