Powering unity: how the Baltic states are reconnecting with Europe
Author: Javid Balamammadov / Editor: Nicoleta Geru
For decades, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have worked tirelessly to maintain their place in the European family and overcome challenges like Soviet-era dependencies, political pressures, and economic constraints to stand up for their independence and sovereignty. One of the last physical connections to the Soviet past was reliance on the Russian electricity grid. However, this situation has changed recently: on 8 February 2025, after years of work, the three Baltic states joined the continental European electricity grid, which is more than a technical shift, symbolising resilience, energy solidarity, and the way to a more united Europe.
Historically, prior to the Soviet occupation in 1940, the Baltic states operated relatively independent and small-scale energy systems with interconnections to neighbouring Poland, Finland, and Sweden. However, after the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states, their energy systems were forcefully integrated with the Soviet network, effectively cutting ties with Western Europe. The Soviet energy system was designed to serve the needs of the USSR, rather than those of the Baltic states. Energy infrastructure, ranging from power plants to transmission lines, was managed and controlled from Moscow, reinforcing the Baltic states’ dependency on the Soviet Union.
Following independence from the Soviet era, the three Baltic states rapidly integrated into the Western political and economic structure, adopting the European value system to which they traditionally belonged. In March 2004, they joined NATO, and two months later, they became European Union member states, a milestone in Baltic-European cooperation, but also in the greater expansion of the European Union. Ties with Europe deepened in the next decade when the Baltic states adopted the common currency and became a part of the European single market. But there was one main obstacle that still threatened the Baltic states politically and economically: Russia. The energy infrastructure of the Baltic states continued to be a part of the Russian electricity network, BRELL, due to the infrastructural constraints in the region.
Due to their geopolitical and energy security vulnerabilities, Baltic states aimed to integrate the European Energy market, and this plan received support from the European Union with significant financial and logistical assistance. According to the European Commission, over €1.23 billion was allocated for this project, with more than €1 billion provided as EU funding, connecting the Baltics to Poland, Finland, and Sweden to maintain energy security within the European Energy system.
This move strengthens energy security and independence in the region, ending the energy hegemony of Russia, which was used as a political lever over the three states. At the same time it reinforced the European Union’s energy security and resilience on its eastern borders, something that has taken on particular importance after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The transition into the European energy system also symbolises political autonomy, close ties with European values, and closer alignment with the EU and NATO. The EU gains a stronger geopolitical position by reducing Eastern Europe’s vulnerability to Russian influence. It sends a clear message about Europe’s commitment to supporting the sovereignty and security of its neighbours, especially in light of Russia’s aggressive actions in recent years.
Joining the European grid could help the Baltics adopt cleaner energy sources and contribute to EU climate goals. The transition aligns with Europe’s broader strategy to reduce emissions and promote sustainable energy. The EU’s energy grid becomes more diversified, incorporating renewable energy sources from the Baltics, which could play a role in the EU’s transition to greener energy: carbon neutrality by 2050.
I believe that this promising transition will help to develop the region, bring stability and greater resilience by leaving Russia’s energy manipulation and political leverage. It will reduce energy vulnerability, particularly in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions. This milestone proved that Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are not alone and that they are part of the European family. Additionally, it is expected that reductions in electricity prices will develop infrastructure and attract more foreign investments in the region and boost economic development.
When I visited the Baltic region last summer, I realised how different and better developed it is than people’s imagination of a post-Soviet country. While visiting different cities in Lithuania, I observed the European identity of locals and how they support Euro integration with great ambition. It also reminded me of the “Baltic way” in 1989, when more than 2 million people held hands and built human chains to peacefully demonstrate their strong desire for independence. What we can learn from here is that the Baltic states have shown that resilience and unity can overcome the past, securing a future of sovereignty, sustainability, and deeper European integration.
Sources:
European Commission. (2025). Baltic States join the European continental electricity grid after fully disconnecting from Russian and Belarussian networks. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ac_25_465Friedrich Naumann Foundation. (2025). “The era of Russian energy manipulations is over” https://www.freiheit.org/era-russian-energy-manipulations-over
