Baltic States Synchronise with Europe

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have successfully synchronised their electricity systems with the Continental Europe Synchronous Area on 9 February 2025. This has been one of the activities specified in the EUSBSR Action plan. The achievement of this milestone sets a precedent for energy security and resilience in the broader Baltic Sea Region. Synchronization with the Continental European Network (CEN) means Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are now fully embedded in the EU’s energy system, strengthening economic ties and regional stability.

The total costs of synchronization process has exceeding €2 billion. The European Union, through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), has provided over €1.2 billion in funding to support this critical energy transition. Initial planning began in the early 2010s, with the first phase of synchronization-related projects receiving financial backing in 2018. The project has been implemented in multiple stages, with full synchronization completed ahead of the originally planned 2025 deadline.

This initiative is being carried out within the framework of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) and its Policy Area Energy.

Synchronization with the Continental European Network marks a strategic shift from the current reliance on the Russian-controlled BRELL electricity ring. This transformation enables the Baltic States to integrate fully into the European energy market, ensuring a more stable and diversified energy supply.

Interconnections play a crucial role in energy security and the green transition, making their expansion essential. By the end of 2025, EU countries must guarantee that at least 70% of their cross-border electricity transmission capacity is available for trade. This allows countries to export surplus electricity or import it during shortages, ensuring a more stable and efficient energy system

The transition is part of a broader European commitment to energy security, supply diversification, and decarbonization. Policy Area Energy plays a crucial role in facilitating regional cooperation to advance energy interconnections and market integration. Through joint efforts, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have implemented necessary grid reinforcements, infrastructure upgrades, and cross-border interconnections While full synchronization has been achieved, additional work will continue this year and beyond to further enhance energy security and grid resilience. Key priorities include expansion of interconnections, including the construction of a fourth transmission link between Estonia and Latvia and cybersecurity and infrastructure protection, ensuring the safety and reliability of the new system against potential threats.

Under the EUSBSR framework, Policy Area Energy continues to foster cooperation between regional and EU partners to ensure the success of the project. This initiative also aligns with the EU’s broader energy transition goals, promoting renewable energy integration and enhancing grid resilience against external threats.

Baltic States Synchronise with Europe

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