| Abstract [eng] |
This Master’s Thesis examines the dynamics of Baltic states’ cooperation in implementing the political phase of electricity network synchronization with continental European networks (CEN). The main aim of this study was to identify the factors that led to the emergence of a unified position and made the political agreement in Brussels possible. To achieve this goal the following tasks were formulated: 1. Introduce the theoretical approaches of liberalism and neorealism, and the hypotheses that arise from them; 2. Review the context of synchronization process; 3. Identify how the positions of the three Baltic States have changed regarding synchronization process: including lengthy negotiations without finding a consensus and the achievement of an agreement. The first part of this Thesis discusses two theoretical approaches that are explaining regional cooperation – liberalism and neorealism. They are used to form two main hypotheses (H1 and H2), which are tested in the second part. H1 argues that the European Commission has become one of the most important actors in helping the Baltic states to reach an agreement, and thus solving collective action problems. H2 states that intensified cooperation between the Baltic states was driven by the threat of Russia. The second part of this work tests these hypotheses by conducting a case study using the process tracing method. The analysis covers the period from 2013 to 2018. Having examined both hypotheses, it was discovered that the EC had the greatest influence regarding the Baltic states’ cooperation. Supranational institution has taken a leader’s role and moderated the negotiation processes, initiated feasibility studies, and overseen the parties’ compliance. The study also discovered that Lithuania had taken a leading role as well. First of all, Lithuania has made great efforts to improve bilateral relations with Poland, which resulted in involving Poland in the synchronization process. Furthermore, Lithuania’s efforts have partly resulted in the EC taking the lead in this project. However, the second hypothesis in the work is only partially confirmed, as the study found that the strengthening and expansion of electricity networks in Russia and Belarus was not a primary factor in promoting more active cooperation between the Baltic states, but had some influence on Lithuania, Poland and later on the European Commission. |
