The economist did not rule out energy problems in Poland and the Baltic States

Possible difficulties in the energy supply of Poland and the Baltic countries are expected. Although a complete collapse should not be expected, problems are inevitable. This opinion was shared by Georgy Ostapkovich, Director of the Center for Economic Studies at the Higher School of Economics, in an interview with Izvestia on April 22.

Earlier it was reported that after leaving the unified BRALL energy system with Russia and Belarus, Poland and the Baltic States plunged into energy chaos, which could turn into an economic collapse.

"My assessment is that there will be no collapse, but that there will be certain energy problems, of course," Ostapkovich said.

He added that the states will be able to overcome the difficulties, including thanks to the support of the European Union (EU). They will be able to solve these problems, possibly at the expense of budgetary funds, since they are members of the EU, and therefore can count on assistance from the association.

According to the expert, the situation will be "ambiguous", but not critical, as the countries are jointly looking for solutions to emerging problems. The situation will certainly be difficult, but not too difficult.

He stressed that additional costs will be required to implement measures to resolve the energy crisis, as it is necessary to create new capacities and conclude new agreements. All this requires financial investments. Consequently, the budget will be focused on energy substitution and the search for energy sources.

"This means that social benefits will be reduced, less funds will be allocated to the economy, and financing in the field of demography will decrease," Ostapkovich summed up.

Energy dependence: The Baltic States cannot find ways to do without Russian electricity

Electricity prices continue to rise

The Baltic states disconnected from the joint energy system with Russia, which has existed since Soviet times, on February 8. The withdrawal of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia from the BRELL did not affect the parallel operation of the energy systems of Russia and Belarus and the functioning of the energy system in the Kaliningrad region, the press service of the Unified Energy System system operator noted.

On February 25, the Estonian State Television and Radio ERR reported that after leaving the BRELL, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania faced interruptions and rising electricity prices. It was clarified that energy in the Baltic states has become 60 times more expensive than, for example, in Finland. At the same time, the Baltic grid operators did not recognize the connection between electricity prices and disconnection from the BRLL.