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RIGA, Feb 9 (LETA) - The Baltic states have successfully synchronized their electricity systems with the Continental Europe Synchronous Area on February 9, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said in a press conference on Sunday.

This process follows years of meticulous preparation and collaboration among the Baltic states transmission system operators (TSOs): Elering (Estonia), Augstsprieguma Tikls (AST, Latvia), Litgrid (Lithuania).

The synchronization enables the Baltic States to manage their electricity grids in close cooperation with all other Continental European countries, with stable and reliable frequency control, significantly enhancing regional energy security. Previously relying on the Russian IPS/UPS system for frequency management, the Baltic States have now joined the synchronous grid of Continental Europe, serving over 400 million customers. All electricity interconnections with Russia and Belarus have been permanently disconnected, AST said in its statement.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics tweeted that Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are now part of the European electricity system. "Another important step to increase our independence. Grateful to all those who worked hard to make this day happen!" he said.

"This is a very significant day for Latvia's energy security and independence. Together with Estonia and Lithuania, we have successfully joined the European energy grid. This is a historic moment - we have irreversibly disconnected from the energy systems of Russia and Belarus. This achievement is the result of long and thorough work. Thank you to all the specialists, energy sector professionals, institutions, and partners who have contributed immense effort so that today we can be part of the European energy grid. The next steps will be related to system modernization, expanding the use of renewable energy, and strengthening regional security," said Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity).

Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis (Greens/Farmers) said that the long-awaited moment has arrived; we are in a single heartbeat of electricity with Europe. "The Baltic States have joined the European energy grid. Together, supporting each other, we have taken a physically imperceptible, but historically significant step. This is an important day for Latvia’s energy security and energy independence! The result achieved confirms our ability to successfully implement an ambitious energy security project not only at the national level, but also in the entire Baltics. I am pleased with the successful process, where great merit goes to the operators of the Baltic States, with special thanks to Augstsprieguma Tikls for their work invested over the past 15 years. We would like to thank all the institutions involved and cooperation partners for their professional work, ensuring that the synchronization process ran smoothly and without hitches this weekend. The Baltic States are ready to continue working together to increase the availability of production capacities in the region," he said.

Chairman of the Management Board of AST, Rolands Irklis noted: "With the Baltic states joining Europe-the world's largest energy system-we have become energy independent and have completely severed historical energy ties with Russia. Similar to Latvia’s accession to NATO and the European Union, joining the European synchronous zone is another logical and necessary step for our country and the entire Baltic region to further integrate with Europe and Western democracies."

The three Baltic countries smoothly disconnected from the Soviet-era Russian electricity system (IPS/UPS) on Saturday morning and operated in isolated mode until Sunday afternoon.

Baltic politicians and electricity system operators stress that disconnecting from Russia and connecting to the single European grid makes a significant contribution to energy security, removing Russia as a potential tool for manipulation.