After the Synchronization of the Baltic States with Continental European Grids: Focusing on Ensuring the Region’s Energy Security in the Future
After the synchronization of the Baltic States’ electricity grids with the continental European networks, another important area of cooperation remains enhancing the resilience and security of critical energy infrastructure – this was discussed today at the joint meeting of European Commission members and the ministers of the Baltic States and Poland, considering the increasing disruptions to energy infrastructure in the region.
The five-party meeting focused on the next steps after the synchronisation of the Baltic States, the region’s future energy security, and financial opportunities to strengthen the resilience of critical energy infrastructure.
“The synchronisation has reached its final and irreversible stage – the Baltic electricity system is permanently disconnected from the IPS/UPS system and connected to the continental European grids. This is a historic achievement, marking the end of one phase of the Baltic States’ energy security and the beginning of another. We would not have achieved this goal without the consistent and strong leadership and support of Poland, as well as the strong political coordination of the European Commission and significant financial contributions,” said Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas at the high-level meeting. “This stage is not the end of the path – alongside the implementation of the Harmony Link project, the protection and resilience of critical energy infrastructure has become an urgent issue. This requires closer regional cooperation and the attention of the European Commission.”
The meeting was attended by European Commission members – the Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, and the Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space, Andrius Kubilius, as well as the Estonian Minister for Climate, Yoko Alender, the Latvian Minister for Climate and Energy, Kaspars Melnis, the Polish Minister for Climate and Environment, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, and the Polish Secretary of State, Krzysztof Bolesta.
During the meeting, the Baltic States, together with Poland, signed a joint statement on the protection of critical energy infrastructure assets.
The joint statement underlines the commitment of the countries to strengthen cooperation, to implement joint initiatives to ensure the security of energy infrastructure, and to regularly update strategies and measures to respond effectively to emerging challenges. A Memorandum of Understanding is also planned to be drawn up and signed, which will set the framework for further cooperation and provide for concrete measures for the protection of critical infrastructure assets.
On 24 January, the Baltic States signed a joint letter to the European Commission to draw attention to the need to improve the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic States. The Baltic electricity transmission system operators have been instructed to prepare a comprehensive package of measures including the necessary security measures to protect energy infrastructure. The issue of energy infrastructure protection is becoming particularly relevant as the number of breaches of energy infrastructure increases.