RIGA, Feb 9 (LETA) - The Baltic states have successfully synchronized their electricity systems with the Continental Europe Synchronous Area on 9 February 9, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said in a press conference on Sunday.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics tweeted that Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are now part of the European electricity system. "Another important step to increase our independence. Grateful to all those who worked hard to make this day happen!" he said.

This process follows years of meticulous preparation and collaboration among the Baltic states transmission system operators (TSOs): Elering (Estonia), Augstsprieguma Tikls (AST, Latvia), Litgrid (Lithuania).

The three Baltic countries smoothly disconnected from the Soviet-era Russian electricity system (IPS/UPS) on Saturday morning and operated in isolated mode until Sunday afternoon.

Baltic politicians and electricity system operators stress that disconnecting from Russia and connecting to the single European grid makes a significant contribution to energy security, removing Russia as a potential tool for manipulation.