Baltic states to cut power ties with Russia and Belarus in February
According to an announcement by the Lithuanian transmission system operator, Litgrid, on Friday, the power lines linking Lithuania with Russia and Belarus will be disconnected in February next year as part of the synchronisation of the Baltic energy systems with Western Europe.
The disconnection of this infrastructure is scheduled for 8 February, coinciding with the expiration of the agreement on the unified power system of Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (BRELL).
"Dismantling work will start immediately afterwards," stated the operator. On 9 February, Lithuania will connect to the unified European power grid.
It was originally anticipated that the connection of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to the continental European power grid would take place at the end of 2025.
Strategic risk
The Baltic countries—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—have aimed to disconnect from the Russian and Belarusian energy system since 2007, acknowledging dependence on Russian electricity as a strategic risk, as highlighted by the Lithuanian portal Lrt.
At present, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are the only EU countries not connected to the European energy grid.
From next year, the Baltic countries will use the existing LitPol line, which connects Lithuania with Poland, and a new cable laid under the Baltic Sea. The transformation process is estimated to cost €1.6 billion, with three-quarters of the funding provided by EU funds.
