OREANDA-NEWS. August 29, 2011. President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite had a meeting with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel in Magdeburg. They discussed the economic and financial situation in the European Union and the implementation of energy projects important for Lithuania and Europe.

In the bilateral meeting, Angela Merkel assured the President once again, like she did a year ago when she visited Lithuania, that Germany understood very well Lithuania's aspirations for energy security.

Germany supports the European Council's decision to establish a European internal energy market by 2014 and to eliminate energy "islands" by 2015.

According to the President, support from Germany and other EU Member States in securing adequate financing in the EU's financial perspective 2014-2020, for gas and electricity connections vital to our country is very important for Lithuania.

"Successful implementation of electricity and gas connection projects that are so important for the Baltic States will enhance competitiveness not only of this region but also of the whole EU. In the negotiations for the new financial perspective, we have to ensure equal and adequate distribution of the EU's structural support among projects that enhance the EU's competitiveness," the President said.

Chancellor Merkel and President Grybauskaite also discussed nuclear safety issues. According to the President, the highest safety standards set in accordance with European methodologies must be applied not only to nuclear technologies but also to nuclear power plant construction sites, structures and monitoring of their operations.

Concerning the economic and financial situation in Europe, the President underlined European economies were closely interrelated: economic difficulties in one country affect other EU Member States; it is therefore a must that all euro-zone countries abide by the rules and respect their commitments.

According to the President, close fiscal coordination is necessary for Europe as it recovers from the economic crisis. Only responsible policy and strict financial consolidation measures can help achieve economic stability.

During the meeting, Angela Merkel demonstrated interest in the Curonian Spit, which is inscribed in the UNESCLO heritage list, and German cultural heritage in Western Lithuania. The President invited the German Chancellor to visit Lithuania again.