“The plan for synchronisation of the power network of the Baltic States with the Western European frequency is under way and on schedule, but the issue of electricity trade with third countries remains unsolved at present,” said President Kaljulaid after the meeting. “However, mechanisms for solving disagreements always have to be found in the case of multilateral agreements. I hope that everyone is still focused on the ultimate goal and prepared to compromise in order to achieve it, and the final declaration will soon be made with the European Commission.”
The Baltic States, which have been connected to the BRELL electricity system with Russia and Belarus, have decided to synchronise their network frequencies with Western European electricity systems by 2025. The project, which is partly funded from the Connecting Europe Facility, is under way, but the electricity trade agreement between the three countries for trading with third countries during the transition period has not been resolved yet. The governments of Estonia and Latvia with the European Commission suggested the political declaration of the electricity trade agreement in the end of July.
As expected, the recent events in Belarus were the second main topic of the meetings of the heads of state. The presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland made a joint declaration about this yesterday. “The present situation is extremely disturbing, said President Kaljulaid. “Every nation has the right to determine their path and their future. The events that occurred in Belarus on Sunday as well as before and after this day do not respect the rights of the Belarusian people. These elections cannot be considered fair, free or democratic based on what we know so far. Unfortunately, we don’t know much, because independent observers were not allowed to the country and this alone is a reason that makes the recognition of the announced results impossible.” She emphasised that ending the violence of the authorities against peaceful protesters and releasing those detained with reason is most important.
The President of the Republic emphasised that the European Union must act in a coordinated manner here. “Belarus is an EU Eastern Partnership country located right here behind our borders,” said the head of state. “Estonia has suggested appointing an EU special representative, whose efforts should be aimed at stopping the violence immediately, releasing the people who have been detained and initiating negotiations between the present government and the opposition.” As an elected member of the UN Security Council, Estonia makes every effort to the have situation in Belarus discussed in the Council as soon as possible. We’ve also suggested discussing this in the UN Human Rights Council. President said that when sanctions are imposed or other steps are taken, it’s important to ensure that the people we want to support don’t suffer because of them.
The President of the Republic is on a one-day working visit to Lithuania today, where she had meetings with President Nauseda and the Chairman of the Lithuanian Seimas Viktoras Pranckietis. The heads of state also held a joint press conference.
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