Citizens' Dialogue in Vilnius with Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis

We need a transdisciplinary approach to climate change – industry, transport, agriculture – all sectors of our life should take into account its impact on our environment.

Vice President Maroš Šefčovič

Trade deals (see Mercosur for example) provide us with huge leverage to promote and adopt the EU environmental standards globally.

Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis

On 19 July, Vice-President Šefčovič, Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, Lithuanian Energy Minister Vaičiūnas, and Baltic Environment Forum in Lithuania leader Morvkėnas, participated in a Citizens' Dialogue with 100 citizens in the town of Vilnius. The event took place in the Europe House, hosted by the EC Representation. The audience consisted of several Members of Parliament, representatives of the energy and climate sector, business associations, civil society, media, and the diplomatic corps. 

There was a lively and open discussion, moderated by journalist Živilė Kropaitė, many questions have been asked via the voting application sli.do. The event was streamed live on Facebook of the European Commission Representation.

The discussion started with the topics of the ambition to ensure a climate-neutral continent by 2050, the impact of climate change on health and food safety, and well-being of citizens.

The audience voted that pollution was the greatest threat for the environment and that it should be the top priority for the EU. The discussion was inclusive, with many questions from the audience. There was an open and positive atmosphere.

The interactive discussion revolved around a number of issues related to the current EU policies and the way forward. Citizens were asking about and commenting on the following issues in particular:

- Future of renewables;

- Carbon tax on imports;

- Discontinuation of support schemes for fossil fuels;

- Inclusion of SMEs into green subsidy schemes;

- EU as global actor – bringing USA, China and others on board;

- Agricultural sector and bio-fuels;

- Security of supply and nuclear safety in the region.