by Hans-Ueli Läppli
A historic day – or perhaps a dark and cold one? On February 8, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia severed the last electrical connections to Russia.
Punctually in the middle of winter – because it would be too easy otherwise. The ceremonial shutdown marked the completion of the Baltic mission “No more BRELL”, named after the power grid that the three countries had been connected to Russia and Belarus for decades. Now it’s: rather freeze, but synchronize with the EU at least. At least almost – in Madrid, it’s a pleasant 11 degrees Celsius, while Vilnius is shivering at minus 8 degrees Celsius. A small test run in “isolated mode” still needs to be done.
Already since 2022, no power had flowed from Russia or Belarus into the Baltic grids, but the symbolic cutting of the last cable was meant to send a strong signal. “It’s about defense, energy security and independence!”, declared Latvia’s Climate Minister Kaspars Melnis. Sounds heroic – even if the light hasn’t come from Russia for a long time. A bit like changing the password of a streaming account that hasn’t been used for years.
The decision to disconnect in the middle of winter instead of the warm summer is strategically clever: So, one can test right away how the European integration works if the temperature in Riga falls below minus 10 degrees Celsius. The coming weeks will show whether the experiment, which connects the Baltic region to the EU grid, will mean “We are free!” or “Where is the flashlight?”.
A steam rises from a frozen winter day on a river in St. Petersburg, Russia, about 150 kilometers from the Estonian border. Alexander Galperin / Sputnik
The Baltic power exit is part of a larger strategy: the disconnection from the former Soviet power is to be as complete as possible. It wouldn’t surprise if an official “We never drank vodka”-decree follows next. However, with the departure from Russia, new dependencies arise: instead of Russian energy companies, one is now at the mercy of the European market, where the electricity prices fluctuate like a Lithuanian lottery draw.
Poland takes on the role of the Baltic energy mediator and secures the new lines with helicopters and drones – apparently worried that Russian fishing trawlers might suddenly develop a fondness for underwater cables. If problems arise, the trip to Brussels is always an option – known for its quick reactions and precise decisions.
Celebrate in the dark?
Despite the frosty temperatures, the “great farewell” is being celebrated – with official events in all three countries. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen won’t miss the opportunity to personally convey her congratulations.
The governments promise that the electricity prices will decrease in the long run, as renewable energies are being developed. Whether this will become reality or if the Balts will soon learn that “green energy” often means having an additional woolen blanket ready, remains to be seen.
The decision of the Baltic states to sever their ties with Russian power may be a symbolic act of political independence, but the practice is increasingly becoming problematic. In the middle of the cold winter, when the temperatures are far above the freezing point, the citizens of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are increasingly finding themselves in a difficult situation. Although the governments emphasize their efforts to promote renewable energies and diversify their energy sources, in reality, there is a lack of sufficient alternatives. A creeping, almost grotesque contradiction shows up when a country that has freed itself from Russian energy sources due to geopolitical reasons ultimately suffers from the consequences of natural disasters.
Thousands without power in Estonia due to snowstorm
In Estonia, tens of thousands of people are cut off from the power supply due to heavy snowfall and storms. More than 17,000 households were without power, according to the national supplier, at the weekend. The region around the second-largest city, Tartu, was the most affected, but also in other parts of the Baltic EU country, residents were without power.
One thing is certain, however: the connection to Russia is severed. If the lights go out now, at least it’s not Russia’s fault.