The Baltic states will sever the last major energy link to Russia, marking their integration into the EU’s electricity network. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania will disconnect from the Brell system, a Soviet-era connection to Russia and Belarus, to join the EU grid via Poland. This move is seen as both a technical and symbolic step toward energy independence. Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, will join Baltic leaders in Vilnius to commemorate the event.
However, Baltic officials are concerned about risks, including sabotage. Over the past 18 months, several electricity and data cables in the Baltic and North Seas have been damaged in suspected sabotage incidents, with concerns that Russia might target the synchronization project. In response, Estonia has deployed soldiers to secure power stations and land connectors during the transition.
The Baltics’ integration into the EU grid has faced challenges, including significant investment and coordination efforts. Estonia’s transmission system operator Elering noted that despite disruptions, the transition is planned to be seamless for consumers. Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave, will become an energy island after February 9, relying on new gas plants for self-sufficiency. The Baltics have also increased investments in renewable energy and gas plants to ensure energy independence from Russia.
