On February 9, 2025, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania became fully independent from the electrical systems of Russia and Belarus. They were successfully integrated into the EU’s internal energy market, connecting to the European continental network through Poland. This development allows the Baltic states to operate their energy systems in accordance with common and transparent European rules.
The synchronization of the Baltic countries not only enhances energy supply security across the Union but also supports the integration of renewable energy sources into the system, leading to lower energy costs for consumers.
This is a flagship project, which has been supported by the European Commission for the past 15 years, with unprecedented political, technical, and financial support. The funding includes over €1.23 billion in grants from the EU’s “Connecting Europe Facility”, covering 75% of the investment cost, as well as additional investments from the Recovery and Resilience Facility in Latvia and Lithuania to strengthen energy infrastructure.
The official “Energy Independence Day” ceremony, marking this significant moment, was held on February 9, 2025, in Lithuania, with the participation of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, and the Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius. Also present were the political leaders of the three Baltic states, Poland, as well as other stakeholders involved in the project.
Until recently, the Baltic states were the only EU members whose electrical grids operated within the Russian and Belarusian network, where the frequency was controlled by Russia. This made them vulnerable to potential energy exploitation by Russia.
Their interconnection with the EU’s electrical networks and neighboring countries allows the Baltic states to gain full control of their energy systems, reducing their dependence on Russia and enhancing energy security in the Eastern Baltic region and throughout Europe.
The next steps include the construction of the 700 MW interconnection line between Lithuania and Poland, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030. The project has been supported by the EU for over 15 years as a top priority and is a key objective of the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan.
The EU’s financial support for the Baltic states’ synchronization project was channeled through investments in Projects of Common Interest (PCIs), which are included in successive EU lists under the EU regulation on trans-European energy networks.
In total, the synchronization was made possible by funding over 40 investment projects, as well as additional measures to ensure energy autonomy and security of supply in the region. Work on completing the final investments and infrastructure continues.
The project was coordinated by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) in cooperation with continental transmission system operators (TSOs).
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated:
“On February 9, 2025, history is being written: the Baltic states achieve energy independence. The last electrical interconnection lines with Russia will be dismantled. This is freedom: freedom from blackmail and threats. Congratulations to all for the beginning of this new era.”
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/el/ip_25_436
