Baltic states switch to European power grid, ending Russia ties

The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania completed a switch from Russia’s electricity grid to the EU’s system on Sunday, severing Soviet-era ties amid heightened security after the suspected sabotage of several subsea cables and pipelines.

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, hailed the move, years in the planning, as marking a new era of freedom for the region, in a speech at a ceremony in Vilnius alongside the leaders of the three countries and the Polish president.

Debated for many years, the complex switch away from the grid of their former Soviet imperial overlord gained momentum following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

It is designed to integrate the three Baltic states more closely with the EU and to boost the region’s energy security.

Source: Reuters

Read More

President of Latvia: synchronisation of the Baltic States with the European energy system is a historic step in strengthening our energy independence

On 9 February, President Edgars Rinkēvičs paid a working visit to Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania. During the visit, President of Latvia met with the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, the President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The officials discussed the accession of the Baltic states to the European energy system, the protection of critical infrastructure, the strengthening of transatlantic relations, the development of the European defence industry, the implementation of key regional infrastructure projects, as well as support for Ukraine and sanctions policy towards Russia.

Read full announcement (external link)

Originally published on 9 Feb

Read More

Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian power systems successfully synchronised with Continental Europe  

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have successfully synchronised their electricity systems with the Continental Europe Synchronous Area on 9 February 2025 at 2:05 PM. This is a key milestone for the Baltic States and for Europe strengthening the energy resilience and independence across the region.  

Read full announcement (external link)

Originally published on 9 Feb

Read More

Estonia to disconnect from the Russian-run electricity network on Saturday

Estonia and the other Baltic States will disconnect from the Russian-run electricity network on Saturday and connect to the Continental European Synchronous Area on Sunday. The main goal of connecting to the European electricity system is to make our electricity system stronger and ensure energy independence and security.

Read full announcement (external link)

Originally published on 5 Feb

Read More