The IEA currently connects the 30 most energy-advanced countries in the world.

“The IEA is the world’s most solid energy knowledge center, analyzing the entire sector and actively participating in the global energy dialogue. Therefore, our participation in the activities of the IEA will create favorable conditions for the further development of the country’s energy sector, ”says the Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys. According to him, the values ​​and goals of the IEA correspond to the goals of our long-term energy sector – competitiveness, reliability, reduction of environmental impact and innovation, therefore Lithuania intends to actively contribute to the IEA activities that shape energy policy for a secure and sustainable future.

The Agency advises Member States on policy-making, provides information on the international oil market and other energy sectors, and is prepared for energy supply disruptions. Membership in the IEA helps Lithuania to secure the assistance of top-level energy experts in the transition to climate-neutral energy, strengthening the state’s energy innovation policy, and increasing energy efficiency, according to a statement by the Ministry of Energy.

Lithuania will also have a large database, including the Agency’s country energy sector analyzes. This international format of energy cooperation is also not equal to Lithuania’s ability to exchange experience in participating in IEA activities.

The accession review lasted two years and was completed in the summer, when the agency’s board officially invited Lithuania to become a member. The assessment analyzed whether Lithuanian legislation and energy policy principles were in line with the Agency’s standards.

Attention was paid to Lithuania’s goals and the real situation in the fields of oil, natural gas, electricity, renewable energy, collection of energy statistics, energy technologies and innovations.

A total of 22 sessions were held on various energy policy topics, involving representatives of state institutions, state-owned enterprises, academia, non-governmental organizations and private business.

Lithuania requires accession procedures very quickly – the invitation to become a member of the IEA was received within two years. By comparison, the accession procedure usually takes at least three years.
Lithuania is the second of the Baltic States to become a member of the IEA. Estonia already joined it a few years ago.