After lauding the progress the European Union and the Baltic states have already made in reducing the "energy island" reputation of the Baltics thanks to the launch of new energy connections, Šefčovič - who is responsible for the EU's energy union matters - urged a June deadline for the four countries to come up with a clear way forward.
"We need to complete this synchronization of your electricity networks with the central European network... I told the prime minister we would do our utmost to facilitate the process in a way so that by June we will have decision from the Baltic states and Poland on how you want to proceed," the commissioner said at a public question and answer session.
"Why am I highlighting the June date so much... if we would have a good consensual decision supported by all four countries by June then we could proceed with the necessary proposals and financial support," he said, explaining that it would be convenient in terms of timing for the next Commission and European Parliament following the next round of European elections.
"Synchronization will not be a cheap exercise but is very important and we need to do it... let's use the time and arrive at the decision by June," he emphasised.
