Baltic states

Abstract

Following the independence of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) in 1990-1991, energy security across the region has been determined mainly by various processes operating at domestic and intraregional levels, and by the structural conditions defined by Russia and the European Union (EU). At the same time, many of the challenges to energy security in the Baltic States were defined during the Soviet period, when the development of energy infrastructure in the Soviet Union isolated the region from external energy markets in all energy sectors (oil, natural gas, electricity) be it continental Europe or Scandinavia. This preconditioned the possibilities for Russia to engage in energy supply disruptions and manipulate energy prices as a means to exert political and economic influence in the Baltic States post-1991. It is also important to recognise that the region is still within a transitional period, trying to ensure its energy security and national security while integrating into regional and world energy markets.