The Lithuanian government has welcomed the backing by European Union (EU) heads of government at a summit in Brussels to connect the electricity grids of all the EU countries surrounding the Baltic Sea, to strengthen their energy security. Nuclear-dependent Lithuania (like neighbours Latvia and Estonia) does not have power interconnectors to other EU countries. And with the Ignalina nuclear power plant earmarked for closure in 2009, it may need to import power. Lithuanian president Valdas Adamkus later welcomed the initiative, saying: “This solidarity is especially important for Lithuania and the whole Baltic region.” A summit communiqué said: “The European Council supports the Commission initiative of establishing a plan of action to speed up interconnections in the Baltic region.” It told the Commission to draft “a schedule of work…before the end of the year.” The plan is also expected to recommend ways of diversifying the region’s dependence on Russian gas supplies.