Geopolitics and Energy Disagreements in the Baltics

The geopolitics of the Baltic region and the insecurities created by the region's geography are reflected in the ongoing struggle over Poland's ownership of Lithuania's Orlen Lietuva oil refinery. Poland felt that by purchasing the refinery and keeping it out of Russian hands, it was doing Lithuania a favor. Lithuania, however, sees Poland's involvement as unwelcome interference. Despite Lithuania's and Poland's membership in NATO and the European Union, and their shared desire to keep Russia at bay, the countries' relations have deteriorated.