The Baltic States' connection ceremony to the European Energy Network

On Sunday in Vilnius there was a ceremony of joining the Baltic States to the European Energy Network (Continental Europe Synchronous Area).

Read also: “We disconnected”. Lithuania outside the Russian system

Together with the presidents: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia The president took part in them Andrzej Duda. Representatives of the European Commission were also present: the head of the EC Ursula von der Leyen and defense commissioners Andrius Kubilius and energy dan Joergensen.

The President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda assessed on Sunday that joining the Baltic States to the European energy network is “a historic moment, which means the end of a long road that Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have traveled.” – From now on we have achieved full energy independence. The vision of political pressure and blackmail is finally behind us. Lithuania together with Latvia and Estonia takes part of the common responsibility for frequency control – he said.

He noticed that the war Russia against Ukraine She drastically changed the perception of threats to critical infrastructure in Europe. He said that the next goal is to build important strategically electrical connections between Poland and Lithuania until 2030.

Von der Leyen said it was “the day when history is created.” – This fact that you are no longer connected with hostile neighbors shows that freedom has come. Freedom from threats, freedom from blackmail. Even before the Russian tanks entered Ukraine, you warned us that cheap gas run from Russia has a hidden cost. The cost of dependence. Now Europe as a whole withdraws Russian fossil fuels. A new era is coming – she said.

She noted that infrastructure protection would be important. – that's why I am happy to welcome the initiative NATO Baltic countries, which was launched last month. Now, more than ever, Europe and NATO must complement each other to each other – she added.

– It is high time for our safety and our defense to hit our own hands – said von der Leyen. – our ally – United States – He has new goals. Europe is prepared for a raw but constructive dialogue with the United States in the environment of growing uncertainty. We are ready for new challenges – she said.

In her opinion, “in this new reality Ukraine needs our support more than ever.” – We celebrate your own energy independence. You outline the trail for the future energy independence of Ukraine. Thank you and congratulations to all of you again. Long live Europe – ended her speech.

– This is the final step aimed at freeing from the post -Soviet sphere of dependence, in this case in the energy sector. This event ends membership of the Baltic countries in the BRL system, which until today has lasted together with Russia and Belarus – said President Duda.

Andrzej Duda emphasized that it is also an important day for Poland, which is “a bridge between the Baltic countries and the rest of Europe.” – Synchronization significantly strengthens our own safety and sovereignty – he noted.

He said that “connections between energy systems of neighboring countries are necessary in solidarity and emergency support, as well as a well -functioning internal market.” He stipulated, however, that in themselves they are not “sufficient to ensure energy security, as evidenced by frequent damage to digital and power infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.”

– That is why today's conversation will focus, among others For the need to strengthen the protection of our energy infrastructure, our underwater connections, our assets, sea facilities, but also our networks and power plants – he added. He stated that the Three Seas countries hope “for an even more significant involvement of the European Commission”.

He emphasized that it is also necessary to “develop strategic relations with the United States, support Ukraine and strengthen the policy of sanctions against Russia.” – These are the topics of our today's conversations, but also key topics for the 10th Summit and the Business Initiative Forum, which will take place in April this year – said Duda inviting all stakeholders of the Three Seas initiative to Poland on April 28 and 29 this year. – We will talk about the decades of success in the growth and construction of immunity – announced Duda.

The President of Estonia Alar Karis said that in recent years European Union She was successful in reducing energy dependence from Russia. – But it's not over yet. Unfortunately, Europe is still buying natural gas from Russia. That is why I call on all European countries to further increase our independence. I definitely support the goal of stopping all imports of Russian energy to the European Union. We should also seriously consider the full trade embargo towards Russia – he said.

He added that Europe must also continue to strengthen sanctions against Russia. – They must apply not until the end of the war, but until Russia fully compensates for all damage caused by Ukraine – he emphasized.

President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs said that apart from increasing energy independence, the entire European Union should lead an example in increasing defense and security efforts.

– We all understand that the time has come for Europe to catch up, spend more on defense and increase its arms industry. Baltic states and Poland belong to those countries that spend the most. We hope that other countries, both in the European Union and NATO, will follow in their footsteps – he said. He also emphasized that he hopes to welcome Ukraine as “part of the European family”.