Today, Europe could be defined as a “giant with feet of clay”: an economic powerhouse, capable of processing massive trade volumes while maintaining top-level standards, yet suffering from a high level of dependency on energy import that is necessary to keep the momentum going. As more than a half of vital energy resources (66% of natural gas and staggering 90% of crude oil) come from third parties, the question of energy security becomes increasingly more important, especially considering the complicated geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe. This is the main reason why Lithuania, which was almost completely dependent on Russian energy resources, began the decisive action striving to emancipate once again, as it did 25 years ago by breaking the Soviet yoke, and establish secure and stable conditions in energy sector. This lecture will elaborate on the idea of Lithuania becoming the front-runner in the energy politics of the European Union, as well as explore the current challenges while providing insight on how they are going to be addressed. A copy of the the Minister's presentation is archived here: https://ces.fas.harvard.edu/files/events/20150223_Lithuania_A_Front_Runner_in_European_Energy_Security_Politics.pdf.
About
Mr Rokas Masiulis worked at managerial positions in Energy practices of “Arthur Andersen“ and “Ernst & Young“. His areas of activities covered Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan.
Prior joining Klaipedos Nafta AB, Rokas Masiulis was member of the Board of LEO LT, Lithuanian electricity holding company uniting most of electricity assets in Lithuania.
Mr. Rokas Masiulis has been General Manager of Klaipedos Nafta AB, one of the most modern oil terminals in Europe, since May 6, 2010. Since September 2010, he has acted as Member of the Company's Management Board. One of the main objectives for Mr Masiulis is implementation of LNG import terminal which is to start operation in December 2014.
Mr Masiulis graduated from Faculty of Economics and Production Management, Vilnius University, as well as from Institute of International Relations and Political Science.
In September 2014, Mr. Masiulis was appointed Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania.
