Brussels, 9 February 2025
As of today, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are fully independent from Russia’s and Belarus’s electricity systems. They successfully integrated into the EU internal energy market by joining the European continental network via Poland. This allows the Baltic States to operate their own energy systems under common and transparent European rules. The synchronisation of the Baltics not only contributes to the security of supply of the entire Union, it will also support the integration of renewable energy in the system, ultimately allowing consumers to benefit from lower energy costs.
The synchronisation of the Baltics into the EU’s electricity grid is a flagship project which has been supported by the Commission with unprecedented political, technical and financial backing over the past 15 years. This includes over €1.23 billion in grants from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility, covering 75% of the investment costs, as well as further investments financed under the Recovery and Resilience Facility in Latvia and Lithuania to strengthen electricity infrastructure.
President Ursula von der Leyen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, and Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, participate in the ‘Energy Independence Day’, the official ceremony marking the occasion in Lithuania today, together with the political leaders of the three Baltic States, Poland and other stakeholders involved in the project.
The Baltic States were the last three EU Member States whose electricity networks were still operating fully within the Russian and Belarussian system where the electricity frequency was centrally controlled by Russia, leaving them vulnerable to Russia’s weaponisation of energy. Synchronising their electricity networks with those of EU Member States and several neighbouring countries enables the Baltic States to move away from energy dependence on Russia. Instead, they gain full control of their own electricity networks and strengthen the energy security of the Eastern Baltic Sea region and the EU as a whole.
The success of this EU-backed project is a testament to the dedication of all EU Member States involved, especially the three Baltic States and Poland, together with the businesses, investors and transmission system operators, who worked together to bring the project to fruition 10 months ahead of schedule.
Looking ahead, the European Coordinator for the Baltic Synchronisation projects, Catharina Sikow-Magny will continue to work closely with the EU Member States in the Baltic region to implement the remaining aspects of this project, which is crucial for the completion of our Energy Union. Further work includes the construction of the 700 MW Harmony Link Interconnector between Lithuania and Poland, which is scheduled for completion in 2030.
Background
The Commission supported the project at all levels since it began over 15 years ago as a high priority. It is one of the main priorities of the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) High-level Group.
EU support to the Baltic synchronisation project has been channelled via investments to projects of common interest (PCIs) featuring on subsequent Union lists under the EU Regulation on Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E). Overall, the synchronisation was made possible by over 40 investment projects and additional measures to ensure energy autonomy and security of supply in the region. Work to conclude the remaining investments and other measures continues until finalisation.
The project was coordinated by the European Network of Transmission System for Electricity (ENTSO-E) together with the Continental Transmission Systems Operators (TSOs). Further investments supporting the synchronisation by strengthening the battery energy storage systems in Latvia and Lithuania have been channelled via the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
On 8 February 2025, the Baltic States de-synchronised from the Russian and Belarusian frequency area. On 9 February, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania started the successful synchronisation process with the European frequency area, marking their full integration into the EU internal energy market.
President von der Leyen said: “Today history is being made: the Baltic States are switching on energy independence. The last electricity grids in Europe still linked to Russia are now fully integrated into Europe’s internal energy market, with the support of over 1 billion euros of European funding over the years. The last remaining electricity lines with Russia and Belarus will now be dismantled. These chains of power lines, linking the Baltic states to hostile neighbours will be a thing of the past. This is freedom. Freedom from threats and blackmail. Congratulations on the start of this new era.”
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Quote(s)
Today history is being made: the Baltic States are switching on energy independence. The last electricity grids in Europe still linked to Russia are now fully integrated into Europe’s internal energy market, with the support of over 1 billion euros of European funding over the years. The last remaining electricity lines with Russia and Belarus will now be dismantled. These chains of power lines, linking the Baltic states to hostile neighbours will be a thing of the past. This is freedom. Freedom from threats and blackmail. Congratulations on the start of this new era.
The Baltic States now have full control of their electricity systems. This grids synchronisation marks a key milestone for this region and will significantly contribute to strengthen security. Ensuring that critical infrastructure across the EU is secure is an absolute priority for the Commission and we will keep working very closely with our Member States to achieve a high level of protection.
Today is truly a historic day. The synchronisation of the electricity networks of the Baltic States with those of Continental Europe is a remarkable achievement that strengthens the security of supply of the entire Union. Is it a testament to what we can achieve together when we invest collectively in our common security and prosperity. The project is a key example of why we need to continue advancing to build a more green, efficient and integrated Energy Union, a genuine Energy Union.
Source – EU Commission
Speech by President von der Leyen at the Synchronisation Baltic Connectors opening event
My fellow leaders,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
What a day to be in Vilnius. What a day for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. What a day for your close neighbours such as Poland. And what a day for Europe. Because today, history is being made. The Baltic States are switching on energy independence. No more reliance on Russia. No more external control. From this moment on, you are fully connected to Europe.
And what a journey it has been.18 years of planning. The Baltics working hand in hand with Poland and the Scandinavian countries. More than 40 infrastructure projects. Over EUR 1.2 billion in European investment. Tireless cooperation between governments, engineers and institutions. All of it was worth it. Because today, we are not just talking about energy. As you have rightly said, Gitanas: Synchronisation is about sovereignty. We remember 1990, when the Soviet Union imposed an economic and energy blockade on reborn Lithuania. A desperate act to stop independence. Yet here we are today, standing together, 35 years later, cutting the last dependence on Russian energy. Congratulations.
For too long, we Europeans depended on Russian energy. Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 45% of our gas, 50% of our coal and nearly one-third of our oil came from Russia. It seemed cheap. But you knew better. From your history, you knew Russian energy came at a price: blackmail, price shocks, economic uncertainty. So we acted. With REPowerEU, we slashed our dependency on Russian fossil fuels. We stopped importing Russian coal. We cut Russian oil purchases down to 3%. We reduced gas imports by 75%. And today, the last electricity grids in Europe that were still linked to Russia are now fully integrated into Europe’s internal energy market. Our cooperation proves: When we stand together, no one can blackmail us.
This story is also about resilience. Russia targets European infrastructure, testing our defences, spreading chaos and fear. And once again, the Baltic states lead by example. You have invested heavily in the cybersecurity of your grids. You are constantly strengthening them. This is how we must think all across Europe. That is also why we asked President Niinistö to prepare a new blueprint for European preparedness. His report is absolutely clear: We must move from reacting to preparing; closer coordination between Member States; better protection of our critical infrastructure; readiness across government and society to defend the European way of life. The Baltic synchronisation makes us stronger, more resilient, better prepared for the future.
And we cannot talk about the future without clean energy. Synchronisation with the continent will help integrate renewable energy into your grids. This is not only cheaper. It gives us energy security and independence. It is homegrown. It creates good jobs at home, here in Europe. And it is good for our competitiveness. A strong economy needs cheap, stable and reliable power. And the Baltic states are leading this transformation. You are investing in solar and offshore wind.You are building smart grids. You are proving that energy independence and clean energy can go hand in hand. Across Europe, renewables now generate more electricity than all fossil fuels combined. This is the future. It benefits consumers and industry; lowers energy costs; more investment; greater innovation. But we must go further. That is why we will complete the European Energy Union so that power flows seamlessly and freely across our continent.
So yes, my dear friends, today is a day to celebrate. Because this is about more than energy. It is about European integration. It is about European sovereignty. It is about proving, once again, that when we come together, we can move mountains. Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia – you are at the heart of Europe. You worked tirelessly for this moment. And today, all of Europe celebrates with you.
Long live the Baltics. Long live Europe. Thank you very much.
Source – EU Commission
Baltic Energy Independence Day: Keynote speech by Commissioner Jørgensen at High level discussion on Security of the infrastructure and challenges in the region
“Check against delivery”
Today is indeed a historic day, for the Baltic region, and for the European Union.
When we think about the history of European unity, a number of defining moments come to mind, like the Schuman declaration, or the fall of the Berlin Wall.
And indeed the defining date of the 23 August 1989, when the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania created “the Baltic Way”, joining hands in a demonstration of peaceful defiance against the Soviet Regime.
These people not only demonstrated incredible courage. They also demonstrated the power of unity, of standing together, of forging connections that make us stronger.
Today is another demonstration of this power.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were the last Member States in the EU with electricity grids dependant on third countries. But today, you have completed your energy independence and are fully integrated in our internal energy market.
This marks a crucial milestone, not only for the Baltics, but for Europe.
This is why the EU has invested heavily in this project: politically, technically, and financially. 75% of the investment costs were covered by the Connecting Europe Facility, with a total exceeding of EUR 1.2 billion.
I would like to single out the four Member States most involved in the project: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and, last, but not least, Poland.
I would also like to single out the incredible work of the transmission system operators in these countries, who undertook this historic mission, and delivered it almost a year ahead of the initial deadline. I think actually we should applaud that!
Let me also mention the European network of transmission system operators (ENTSO-E), it has been a great effort that they have done and we could not have done it without them.
The completion of this project in record time demonstrates the strong tradition of the Baltic countries when it comes to fostering regional cooperation in the field of energy.
It also demonstrates the sense of urgency, and the recognition that we need to invest in the energy security, of the region and the entire EU.
I am sure that my colleague, Commissioner Kubilius, will expand further on this topic of security.
But I think we all know, from recent incidents, the growing threats to our critical infrastructure. Safeguarding these assets, and the future ones, is vital.
And of course, Baltic Synchronisation is not only fundamental for our energy security – it is also fundamental to deliver on the promise and potential of the Green Deal.
Bringing more renewables into our energy systems is the best and most sustainable way of bringing down prices.
From 2021 to 2023, Europeans saved EUR 100 billlion thanks to the additional renewable capacity.
In 2024, the combined capacity of solar and wind power plants in Lithuania reached approximately 3 gigawatts (GW), making a 30% increase compared to 2022. We observe similar positive dynamics in Estonia and Latvia.
The Baltic Synchronization Project will enable further integration of these renewables into the energy system, maximising the benefits for households, industries, and businesses.
Looking ahead, work will continue on this project, to finalize all relevant investments and measures.
I can assure you that I will continue to fully support this project as a priority, until all remaining elements are completed.
Here, our recently appointed European Coordinator Catharina Sikow-Magny will be of great value to oversee its completion.
Taking a broader perspective, this project showcases why we need to continue strengthening our Energy Union, as the motor to drive our competitiveness and decarbonisation.
The European Union needs to be more competitive and more independent. To achieve these goals, the energy sector will be instrumental.
We need more clean energy, greater energy efficiency, and deeper connection. We need to reduce our dependencies, while building on the strengths of our unique Energy Union.
On this path, there can be no backtracking on the clean transition – the EU must step forward to deliver our global responsibilities and to boost our competitiveness.
Thank you once again, for inviting me to be here.
Today we mark Energy Independence, a day of history and celebration.
Today we demonstrate the power of the Union’s solidarity when we act and invest collectively in our security and prosperity.
Today, we can see the spirit of the Baltic Way, flowing between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, connecting and energising the Europe Union.
Today, the words of Boriss Rezņiks famous song come to mind, and come to life:
The Baltics are waking up!
To stand for themselves.
Europe stands with you – long may we stand together!
Thank you!
Source – EU Commission
Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan
The Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) High-Level Group supports the energy transition of the Baltic Sea region and aims to achieve an open and integrated energy market amongst in the EU countries of the Baltic region.
The members of the BEMIP High-Level Group are Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland and Sweden. Norway also participates as an observer.