POLITICAL ASPECTS OF ENSURING ENERGY INDEPENDENCE OF THE BALTIC COUNTRIES IN THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR

The article analyzes the causes, problems and consequences of the project of withdrawal of the Baltic countries from the BRELL (Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) energy system. The authors consider the directions of the energy strategy of the Baltic states, including elimination of the "Baltic island" in the energy system of the European Union. It is shown that the energy infrastructure is the last area that prevents their full integration with the European Union and a break of their connections with Russia. The article reveals that the concept of energy independence of the Baltic States from Russia is openly political and contradicts the socio-economic interests. Energy independence of the Baltic States is a geopolitical project of the West with no considerations for the budgetary money or expenses of the taxpayers. As a result of the analysis of the causes and consequences of the Baltic countries' withdrawal from BRELL, the authors come to the conclusion about the political nature of the project and demonstrate problems and negative consequences of its implementation.