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“This note means that our actions in the region, as the Baltic countries seek common solutions to the blockade of the Astrava nuclear power plant, are correct. (…) To date, electricity trade with Russia and Belarus has been made across the Belarusian border.
Since the commissioning of the Astrava nuclear power plant, this border has been closed to electricity trade and, as a result, Latvia and Estonia had proposed a bilateral methodology a year ago so that electricity could be traded across the border between Latvia and Russia. Without a doubt, the option that was presented meant that the flows would be out of control and there would be no possibility of restricting the electricity trade ”, Ž. Vaičiūnas.
According to the minister, the agreement reached with the Baltic countries will allow to control the Russian electricity trade.
“After a year, we have a very concrete consensus. Transmission system operators in the three countries have agreed that not only will Belarusian electricity be phased out following the commissioning of the Astravas nuclear power plant, but that it will no longer be on the market of the three Baltic states, but will also be they will reduce opportunities for Russian electricity imports to the Baltic States. “This is a very important strategic achievement, because it means that we are taking a very concrete first step towards the implementation of the synchronization project, because in 2025, when it is implemented, there will be no physical or trade flows with Russia,” he said.
“This step reduces trade with Russia by about a third. Naturally, the issue is painful enough for Russia,” Ž. Vaičiūnas.
According to the minister, Russia could only take legal action.
“The Baltic countries do not plan any changes, but Russia also indicates the position that this methodology does not suit it. The note confirms the accuracy of our steps and choices. Russia can take legal action, but I don’t think it will take unplanned action towards the Baltic countries, “Ž. Vaičiūnas said.
At that time, on Tuesday, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry (MFA) sent a protest note to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry for the hasty start-up of the Astrava nuclear power plant, posing a threat to the security of Lithuanian, Belarusian and European Union citizens.
On Monday, the Lithuanian operator of the electricity transmission system, Litgrid, received a letter from Belenergo, an operator of the Belarusian electricity transmission system, stating that the start of electricity generation in the Astrava nuclear power plant takes place in the period from 1 to 10 November.
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