DISINFO: Lithuania’s Russophobic withdrawal from BRELL harmed its economy
SUMMARY
The withdrawal of Lithuania and the other Baltic states from the BRELL energy ring, which included Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, has negatively impacted the economies of the Baltic countries, where electricity prices are among the highest in Europe. By taking this step, the Baltic states effectively gave up the opportunity to receive subsidised Russian electricity at lower costs. The transition to the European energy system added extra financial burdens for consumers. This primarily affects households, which have once again had to pay the price for the policies of the Baltic authorities. Lithuania continues to distance itself from any ties with Russia. Despite the overall improvement in the international situation, Lithuania remains one of the centres of Russophobic sentiment in Europe.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets claiming that EU members, and especially the Baltic states, heavily depend on Russian energy supplies and that cutting off these ties will harm the EU’s economy.
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia had been planning their exit from BRELL for years as part of their broader strategy to reduce energy dependence on Russia. Actually, they had already ceased purchasing electricity from Russia long before the official disconnection. This measure was used solely for technical frequency regulation. Joining the EU grid increases energy independence and reduces the risk of disruptions by Russia. Disconnecting from Russia’s grid protects the Baltic States from geopolitical coercion, especially amid Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine and tensions between Russia and NATO. The transition has attracted substantial investments of approximately €1.6 billion, largely from EU funds. This strengthens infrastructure and enhances integration into the European market, supports renewable energy and potentially lowers energy costs.
Energy prices across Europe have surged since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 mainly due to the broader energy crisis and market fluctuations, not because of the shift to the European grid. The recent price increases are due to several factors as explained by the Insider. Among these are the failure of the EstLink-2 undersea cable between Finland and Estonia and increased electricity demand during winter, as supply struggles to meet peak demand.
Russia has previously used energy supplies as a geopolitical weapon. By synchronising with the European power grid, the Baltic states strengthened their energy independence and resilience against potential Russian blackmail. Claiming that Lithuania’s withdrawal from BRELL is a Russophobic gesture is a common pro-Kremlin disinformation tactic — to accuse every move criticising Russia or reducing dependence on it as an instance of Russophobia. Lithuania and the other Baltic states are acting in their national interests by reducing reliance on an authoritarian regime that has a history of using energy as leverage. Their decision is consistent with broader European energy policies, not anti-Russian sentiment.
See other pro-Kremlin narratives about energy in our article The Kremlin’s energy myths melt away as well as other cases concerning energy issues, alleging that the LNG terminal is too expensive for Lithuania, Lithuania dooms itself to energy destitution, The concept of “energy security” has turned into an anti-Russian project.