“Having successfully completed the synchronization project, the Baltic States and Poland continue to invest in energy independence and security. We are grateful to the European Commission for supporting our ambition to make the Baltic Sea region a model for strengthening the security and resilience of critical energy infrastructure across Europe. This funding is the result of our consistent efforts and sets a new precedent, as until now the European Union had no dedicated financing for the protection of critical energy infrastructure. By consistently applying the lessons learned from Ukrainian energy specialists, we are expanding the scope of protection for our critical energy infrastructure projects. We plan to apply for further funding for resilience projects and are actively working to ensure that a long-term EU-level instrument for financing critical energy infrastructure protection is established,” – said Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania.

 

The protection of critical energy infrastructure is being financed on the EU level for the first time. These possibilities have been empowered due to the implementation of the synchronization project by the Baltic States and Poland. Lithuania together with Estonia, Latvia and Poland is targeting the long-term legal and financial instruments for the financing of the critical energy infrastructure within the EU. Currently the legal instruments are under review, it is expected and the efforts are pursued the initiative to be properly aligned also during the negotiations of Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034.

 

“We launched the resilience programme just over a year ago, and we have already made significant progress in many areas: we have procured and are installing drone neutralization solutions, implemented initial protection measures for substation equipment, designed and prepared to build physical barriers – materials for which were tested at Lithuanian Armed Forces training grounds – and introduced measures to ensure rapid restoration of damaged infrastructure. We continue to raise the level of cybersecurity. By sharing information and insights with partners in the Baltic States and Poland, working with universities and security experts, and learning from Ukraine’s experience, we are constantly looking for ways to supplement and improve existing solutions,” said Litgrid CEO Rokas Masiulis.

 

The critical infrastructure protection projects implemented by the Baltic and Polish transmission system operators – Litgrid, AST, Elering, and PSE – as part of the Baltic synchronization effort will be financed through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

 

The projects will receive up to the maximum possible co‑financing rate of 50% of eligible costs. Funding for projects in Lithuania amounts to €22 million.

 

Litgrid’s energy infrastructure resilience programme includes strengthening the physical protection of critical facilities, establishing emergency and crisis reserves for transmission network equipment, installing electronic security systems, deploying unmanned aerial vehicle detection and neutralization systems, enhancing perimeter protection, and preparing to operate under critical conditions.

 

Litgrid is implementing 13 projects under the resilience programme, comprising more than 150 measures deployed across various transmission network facilities. The programme is continuously reviewed based on threat assessments and new technological solutions.

 

On February 8, 2025, the Baltic States disconnected from the Russia‑controlled IPS/UPS electricity system, and on February 9 successfully synchronized their electricity systems with the Continental European synchronous area. Synchronization with Continental Europe enables the Baltic States to operate their electricity systems in close cooperation with other Continental European countries, ensuring stable and reliable frequency regulation, thereby strengthening energy independence and enhancing energy security across the region. The Baltic States have joined the Continental European network, which serves more than 400 million consumers in 26 countries.