10-11-2026

The Minister of Finance met with European Commission member Wopke Hoekstra to discuss issues related to climate and energy policy

Strengthening Europe’s economy must go hand in hand with protecting citizens’ interests. Climate and energy policies need to take into account business competitiveness, electricity prices and household heating costs.

Minister of Finance Taurimas Valys discussed these issues with Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth.

The meeting covered tobacco taxation, simplification of EU regulations, the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and growing competition from China. The discussion also addressed digital services taxation and the role of innovation in strengthening Europe’s economic growth potential.

Particular attention was given to energy challenges – how to reduce electricity prices, expand solar energy production and decrease dependence on fossil fuels, while ensuring that climate policies do not place a disproportionate financial burden on households.

On security, Commissioner Hoekstra stressed that European policymakers must not lose sight of Russia’s aggression and the threats it poses. He highlighted the important role of the Baltic States in keeping Europe’s attention focused on the security situation in the region.