Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have disconnected from the Russian electricity grid and integrated into the European system, marking a significant shift in energy independence for the Baltic states. The move, which has been in the works for years, became a priority following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Baltic states, members of the European Union (EU) and NATO since 2004, were previously connected to the Russian grid since the Soviet era. The disconnection was a strategic decision to reduce dependence on Russia and enhance energy security.
Lithuanian Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas stated that the disconnection eliminates the possibility of Russia using energy control as a weapon. The integration of the Baltic states' energy systems into the EU grid will be facilitated through Poland, which borders Lithuania.
Latvia physically severed the electrical cable connecting it to Russia on Saturday, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend a ceremony in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Sunday to celebrate the integration. EU foreign policy chief and former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas called the disconnections a "victory for democracy."
The Baltic states have already ceased purchasing gas and electricity from Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine, but their electricity grids remained connected to Russia and Belarus. This dependence on Russia for a stable electricity flow was a concern for the Baltic states, as it was essential for industrial activity and other sectors.