Vilnius: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have fully integrated into the European continental energy network, marking their independence from Russian and Belarussian electricity systems.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Baltic States successfully joined the EU internal energy market through Poland, enhancing energy security and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources.
The European Commission has supported this initiative for over 15 years, investing more than 1.23 billion euros in grants through the Connecting Europe Facility to cover the majority of investment costs. The project, completed 10 months ahead of schedule, involved collaboration among EU Member States, businesses, investors, and transmission system operators.
President Ursula von der Leyen, alongside Commissioners Dan J¸rgensen and Andrius Kubilius, participated in the ‘Energy Independence Day’ ceremony in Lithuania. This event celebrated the historic achievement of the Baltic States gaining full control over their electricity networks, reducing their vulnerability to Russian energy influence.
Future developments include the construction of the 700 MW Harmony Link Interconnector between Lithuania and Poland, scheduled for completion in 2030. The European Coordinator for the Baltic Synchronisation projects, Catharina Sikow-Magny, will continue to oversee the project’s final stages.
The project underscores the EU’s commitment to energy independence and security, as highlighted by the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP). It also represents a significant step towards a more integrated and sustainable Energy Union.