The Baltic States completely freed themselves from dependence on Russia

The Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania have achieved full integration with the European electricity grid after years of waiting. This historic step was taken via the Lithuania-Poland route, fully connecting the Baltic states to the European energy system. The ceremony in Vilnius was attended by the leaders of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Polish President Andrzej Duda.

This major change in the energy sector means that the Baltic states have completely freed themselves from dependence on Russia. For these countries, which were once part of the Soviet Union, the last technical connection to Moscow has been severed. From now on, they will rely not on Russia and Belarus for their electricity supply, but on the single European energy market.

Geopolitical significance and symbolic meaning

This change is of great geopolitical importance not only for the Baltic states, but also for the whole of Europe. Speaking at the event, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the process as an important step towards freedom, saying, “Finally, we are free from threats and blackmail.”

On Saturday, the Baltic states successively disconnected all electricity networks connecting them to Russia, Belarus and the Russian Kaliningrad region. This means that these countries now have their own energy independence.

Relations with Russia and a new path

The Baltic states have had rather complicated relations with Moscow since they declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. In particular, these relations have become even more tense as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are actively working to break ties with Russia not only in energy, but also in other strategic areas.

The Baltic states are now focusing on diversifying their energy sources and further strengthening cooperation with Europe. This process will not only ensure energy security, but also open up new opportunities economically and politically. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”