In July, the electricity grid operators of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania informed Russia that they would exit a 2001 agreement that has kept them connected to a Russian-controlled electricity system. The three NATO members will shift their grid connections to the main European energy network in February 2025 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Watch the video above as Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan discusses the implications of this move, arguing that it represents another “small step toward making these states part of the free world.”
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Excerpted from Peter’s Aug. 20 “Zeihan on Geopolitics” newsletter:
The Baltic states — Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — are taking one step closer to the Europeans with their upcoming electrical system swap. This switch from Russian to European electrical standards marks a significant shift for these nations.
Since the Baltic states industrialized under Soviet rule, their electrical systems have long been geared to Russian technic norms. While other similar countries transferred over to the European standard, the Baltic transition was made slower due to the geography and proximity to Kaliningrad. This was amplified by demographic issues and slow growth that have plagued these countries.
The electrical switch is a critical step in integrating the Baltic states into the broader European system and it reflects the ongoing progress these countries are making.
This video was recorded during Zeihan’s backpacking trip through Yosemite at the end of July.