Prime minister says government will not intervene in Vilnius waste crisis

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has stated that the government does not intend to intervene in the ongoing waste management dispute between Vilnius city municipality and the company Energesman, LRT reports.

According to Sinkevičius, the Vilnius Regional Waste Management Centre (VAATC), which has taken over control of the capital’s mixed municipal waste sorting plant, is responsible for resolving the situation.

“It is likely that various legal processes and disputes may arise, but so far the government is neither participating nor planning to intervene. I think we should leave this to the eight regional municipalities, the Vilnius Waste Management Centre, and the operators, and hope that all disputes are not resolved solely through political slogans, statements to the press, and the like—that they have a legal path,” Sinkevičius told the Delfi portal.

He emphasised that the issue should be clarified by the regional waste management centre with the former and new operators. His primary concern is de-escalation to avoid odour or environmental issues in the Vilnius region or elsewhere in Lithuania.

On Thursday, Sinkevičius discussed the waste crisis with Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunsas and stated that the situation appeared to be improving: “It seems that the situation is de-escalating.” He noted that the government, if necessary, would provide assistance to the Vilnius region.

“For now, I see that the situation is getting better, but the government, and especially the Ministry of Environment, is monitoring the situation and is ready to help the region if such assistance is needed,” Sinkevičius said.

In mid-July, Sinkevičius had stated that the waste crisis at Vilnius’ waste sorting plant had escalated and required state intervention, leading to a government discussion on the matter.

The waste crisis in the Vilnius region arose following a fire last year at the Vilnius waste sorting plant. The facility has not resumed full operations, and the Vilnius cogeneration power plant has reduced its waste incineration capacity. On Tuesday, law enforcement launched a pre-trial investigation into possible violations of environmental protection regulations and criminal activity in the management of regional waste at the Vilnius waste sorting plant.