Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have officially disconnected from the Soviet-era energy grid, marking a significant step towards joining the European energy system. The move comes over three decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The Baltic countries will operate independently for 24 hours before merging with European networks on Sunday afternoon. This transition is steeped in geopolitical significance, as it solidifies their ties to NATO and distances them from Russia’s influence.
The disconnection plan was made possible by a new grid linking the Baltic states with the EU, including underwater cables in the Baltic Sea. The move has been years in the making, with Lithuania informing Moscow and Minsk of the plan in 2024 to prevent any hostile reactions.
The leaders of the three countries assured their citizens that the shift would go smoothly, but special measures were taken to prevent provocations. In Latvia, military units were put on high alert, while Lithuania’s clock tower counted down the final seconds before disconnection.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other dignitaries are expected to attend a ceremony in Vilnius on Sunday evening. This marks a significant milestone for the Baltic states as they move towards greater integration with Europe.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-baltics-russia-estonia-latvia-electricity-2d07e4849895dbceac260a9d3ce36f33