As of February 9th 2025, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are fully independent from Russia’s and Belarus’s electricity systems. They successfully integrated into the EU internal energy market by joining the European continental network via Poland. This allows the Baltic States to operate their own energy systems under common and transparent European rules. The synchronisation of the Baltics not only contributes to the security of supply of the entire Union, it will also support the integration of renewable energy in the system, ultimately allowing consumers to benefit from lower energy costs.
European Comission President von der Leyen said: “Today history is being made: the Baltic States are switching on energy independence. The last electricity grids in Europe still linked to Russia are now fully integrated into Europe’s internal energy market, with the support of over 1 billion euros of European funding over the years. The last remaining electricity lines with Russia and Belarus will now be dismantled. These chains of power lines, linking the Baltic states to hostile neighbours will be a thing of the past. This is freedom. Freedom from threats and blackmail. Congratulations on the start of this new era.”
The synchronisation of the Baltics into the EU’s electricity grid is a flagship project which has been supported by the Commission with unprecedented political, technical and financial backing over the past 15 years. This includes over €1.23 billion in grants from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility, covering 75% of the investment costs, as well as further investments financed under the Recovery and Resilience Facility in Latvia and Lithuania to strengthen electricity infrastructure.
President Ursula von der Leyen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, and Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, participate in the ‘Energy Independence Day’, the official ceremony marking the occasion in Lithuania today, together with the political leaders of the three Baltic States, Poland and other stakeholders involved in the project.
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space said: „The Baltic States now have full control of their electricity systems. This grids synchronisation marks a key milestone for this region and will significantly contribute to strengthen security. Ensuring that critical infrastructure across the EU is secure is an absolute priority for the Commission and we will keep working very closely with our Member States to achieve a high level of protection.”
The Baltic States were the last three EU Member States whose electricity networks were still operating fully within the Russian and Belarussian system where the electricity frequency was centrally controlled by Russia, leaving them vulnerable to Russia’s weaponisation of energy. Synchronising their electricity networks with those of EU Member States and several neighbouring countries enables the Baltic States to move away from energy dependence on Russia. Instead, they gain full control of their own electricity networks and strengthen the energy security of the Eastern Baltic Sea region and the EU as a whole.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing said: „Today is truly a historic day. The synchronisation of the electricity networks of the Baltic States with those of Continental Europe is a remarkable achievement that strengthens the security of supply of the entire Union. Is it a testament to what we can achieve together when we invest collectively in our common security and prosperity. The project is a key example of why we need to continue advancing to build a more green, efficient and integrated Energy Union, a genuine Energy Union.”
The success of this EU-backed project is a testament to the dedication of all EU Member States involved, especially the three Baltic States and Poland, together with the businesses, investors and transmission system operators, who worked together to bring the project to fruition 10 months ahead of schedule.
Looking ahead, the European Coordinator for the Baltic Synchronisation projects, Catharina Sikow-Magny will continue to work closely with the EU Member States in the Baltic region to implement the remaining aspects of this project, which is crucial for the completion of our Energy Union. Further work includes the construction of the 700 MW Harmony Link Interconnector between Lithuania and Poland, which is scheduled for completion in 2030.
Source: European Commission
The post Baltic States join the European continental electricity grid after fully disconnecting from Russian and Belarussian networks appeared first on Baltic Wind.
Read More Baltic Wind