ABSTRACT
Following the independence of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) in 1990-1991, energy security across the region has been determined mainly by various processes operating at domestic and intraregional levels, and by the structural conditions defined by Russia and the European Union (EU). This chapter seeks to balance discussion of Baltic energy security policy and recognises three aspects, the structures and legacies of the Soviet era, the challenges originating from EU membership, and domestic problems such as corruption. It then suggests that these issues do not operate in isolation from each other and have affected the energy markets, projects and political decision-making of the three countries. The legacy of high dependency on Russian energy resources and a lack of alternatives is often credited with allowing Moscow to use energy as a tool of diplomacy, with the expectation that domestic and foreign policies of the Baltic States will be readjusted to favour Russian interests.
