The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have successfully disconnected their electricity systems from Russia's power grid, marking a significant step towards greater energy independence and security within the European Union. The move, years in the making, was finalized on Saturday with the countries synchronizing with the EU grid on Sunday. The decision was driven by a desire to reduce reliance on Russia, particularly in light of its invasion of Ukraine.
Technicians on a hydraulic platform work to disconnect the major power line between Latvia and Russia in Vilaka, Latvia, near the Russian border, on Feb. 8.The three Baltic states disconnected their electricity systems from Russia’s power grid on Saturday, the region’s operators said, part of a plan designed to integrate the countries more closely with the European Union and boost security.
“We’ve reached the goal we for strived for, for so long. We are now in control,” Lithuanian Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas told a press conference. Plans for the Baltics to decouple from the grid of their former Soviet imperial overlord, debated for decades, gained momentum following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
“By ending the energy dependence of the Baltic states on Russia, we are leaving the aggressor without the option of using energy as a weapon against us,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. “The system is stable, the process is happening smoothly, no one is noticing that something changed,” Melnis said.
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