The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have finally severed their electricity connections with Russia, joining the European energy network after decades of physical ties to Moscow. The move comes as a response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, solidifying the region’s commitment to EU integration.
In a symbolic gesture, officials switched off transmission lines between the Baltic countries and Russia last Saturday, followed by a 24-hour transition period before being merged with European energy networks on Sunday afternoon. Analysts argue that maintaining a stable grid frequency is crucial for power supply, which can be more easily achieved in a large, synchronized area like Russia or continental Europe.
The Baltic states inherited their electricity infrastructure from the Soviet Union and remained part of Russia’s BRELL network after gaining independence in 1990. Although they stopped buying Russian electricity after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, their power grids remained connected to Russia, making them dependent on Moscow for stable power.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania now rely on energy imports from Finland, Sweden, and Poland. The EU welcomed the Baltic states’ decision, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that “Russia can no longer use energy as a tool of blackmail.”
The move comes with concerns about potential risks, including sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns. Authorities have warned of short-term risks, such as kinetic operations against critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.
As the Baltic states embark on this new era of energy independence, they can be confident that their power systems are now in full control, marking a historic moment for the region’s integration into the European energy network.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/10/why-have-baltic-states-unplugged-from-russias-electricity-grid