The Lithuanian Prime Minister Kubilius stated that it is realistic to complete construction of a new nuclear power plant in Lithuania by 2018-19. He stated that during a joint press conference with his Baltic colleagues on August 22. The Baltic States and Poland expressed their wish to build the new nuclear plant in Ignalina, Lithuania.

Three Baltic Prime Ministers participating in an informal three days meeting in the Lithuanian Baltic Sea town of Nida and Vilnius. Speaking at a joined press conference Kubilius said that the business plan of the new nuclear facility should be known in the end of the year, with “all actual work” to be started in 2010. “We have stated these dates to our consultants, and they remain as realistic dates for now – 2018-2019,” lrt.lt quoted the Lithuanian Prime Minister during the press conference.

Kubilius continued; “We have agreed with the N M Rothschild & Sons Company that they will provide the preliminary key elements of the draft plan to our neighbours in September, and in December we will have the entire plan. With the plan in place, we will search for a strategic investor together, and all actual work will start as early as next year”.

On August 21, Prime Minster Kubilius reassured that the plans to dismantle the energy company LEO LT “is not something that should halt the nuclear power plant construction plans in any way.”

The visiting Latvian and Estonian Prime Ministers also confirmed their interest in the Lithuanian nuclear plant project.

The Estonian Prime Minister Asnip during the press conference assured that Estonia is still interested in the project. Lrt.lt quoted his saying that “We would like to go with this project. We don’t have any time. Hopefully, we will find this strategic investor and we can go more rapidly”.

Latvia’s Prime Minister Dombrovskis also noted “we are looking forward for the new analysis and new proposals.”

On August 23 the three Prime Minister are participating in events marking 20th anniversary of the Baltic Way in Vilnius. The Prime Ministers have signed a joint statement on the occasion.