On February 8, 2025, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia officially disconnected from the Russian-controlled BRELL power grid, marking a symbolic end to their Soviet past. This move, while purely symbolic as the Baltic states have not received electricity from Russia and Belarus since May 2022, signifies a significant step towards energy independence and further distancing themselves from Russian influence.
The Baltic states have been gradually integrating into the Continental European electricity grid, CESA, since 2022, with full integration into the EU system expected by February 9, 2025. This will make them the last EU countries to join the system, which also includes Turkey, Ukraine, and Moldova.
The BRELL grid, a relic of the Soviet era, connected the power systems of Russia, including Kaliningrad, Belarus, and the Baltic states. The abbreviation BRELL stands for the first letters of the names of these countries.
The Baltic states, which gained independence in 1991, have been striving to integrate with Europe and the EU. However, their complete separation from the BRELL grid took time.
The Baltic states joined the EU and NATO in 2004 and all use the euro as their official currency. With a combined population of just over six million, they are small compared to Germany, with around 84 million inhabitants, and Poland, with nearly 38 million.
The disconnection from the BRELL grid is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening energy security and independence, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Baltic states have been vocal about the need for diversification away from Russian energy sources, citing Russia's attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and the suspension of natural gas supplies as evidence of the risks associated with dependence on Russia.
The Baltic states' move towards energy independence also signifies their commitment to the EU and their solidarity with the bloc. It represents a further step away from their Soviet past and a clear signal of their commitment to a European future.
The EU has invested over €1.23 billion in the project to connect the Baltic states to its power grid. The increased connectivity with Europe will provide Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with greater opportunities for reliable electricity supply and a more diverse energy mix, ensuring a stable flow of electricity.