Belarus' firm demands EUR 10 mln from Lithuania over removal from GIPL tender

The Lithuanian government is preparing for a possible dispute with Belarus' pipeline construction company Beltruboprovodstroy which has filed a 10-million-euro claim after being removed from the bidding for a Gas Interconnector Poland-Lithuania (GIPL) contract due to national security concerns.

The Belarusian company bid jointly with Kaunas-based KRS.

According to a draft government resolution that the Cabinet is to discuss next Wednesday, the Energy Ministry asks to be authorized to represent the state in potential disputes against Beltruboprovodstroj in Lithuania and abroad.

The ministry says in its note that Beltruboprovodstroy claims 10.215 million euros from the Lithuanian government in compensation for a violation of its investor rights.

Aurelija Vernickaite, an advisor to Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas, confirmed to BNS that "a 10-million-euro claim has been submitted to Lithuania over possible investor right violations and compensation for damage".

Once the ministry receives the authorization, "a legal assessment of the claim will be performed", she said.

Based on information available to BNS, the parties can still reach an amicable agreement.