Lithuania, the Seim of Lithuania unanimously approved on February 9, as the day of the energy independence of the Baltic countries, fixing the decision on the synchronization of the Baltic electric networks with continental Europe at the legislative level. This was announced by the information portal LRT.
The bill was supported by 102 parliamentarians.
It was on this day in 2024 that Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia first conducted a joint autonomous test test, disconnected from the United Energy System Bral, which for decades connected the countries of the region with Russia and Belarus.
The test was successful, after which the technical and political intention was confirmed by the direction of complete synchronization with the European ENTSO-E.
network.
Member of the Democrats faction “In the name of Lithuania” Algirdas Butkyaviyus noted that Latvia and Estonia will soon make similar legislative decisions in order to jointly affirm this day as a symbol of the general energy course.
disconnection from Bral
Since the beginning of the 1990s, the energy systems of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have remained part of the Bral’s network – a technically verified and stable platform that connects them with Russia and Belarus.
Brall for many years provided the Baltic states of reliable power supply and a balanced load in peak hours.
However, since the mid-2010s, an active reorientation for energy rapprochement with the European Union began in the region of the region.
Supporters of this course argued that synchronization with Entso-E would provide greater autonomy and accelerate political integration with the EU.
Opponents warned that the abandonment of Brall bears high cost, technical risks and loss of proven cooperation with eastern partners.
Nevertheless, in 2018 an agreement was signed on complete synchronization with continental Europe.
In the framework of the preparation, large infrastructure projects were implemented, including the construction of lines with Poland (in particular, Litpol Link), the expansion of substations and the modernization of distribution networks.
February 9, 2024 became a symbolic count of reference: the Baltic countries turned off Brall, demonstrating their readiness to work in isolated mode and confirming their energy strategy.
Vilnius considers this as not only a technical, but also a geopolitical achievement.