The recent energy crisis triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine has profoundly reshaped regional economies across the Baltic
region, transforming energy from a market commodity into a strategic and geopolitical resource. While existing literature emphasises
disruption and vulnerability, this paper reframes the crisis as a catalyst for social innovation. Drawing on a comparative analysis of
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland, the study examines how rising energy prices, supply insecurity and policy responses have stimulated
new forms of behavioural adaptation, collective action and institutional change. Particular attention is given to decentralised energy practices, prosumer models and governance innovation. The findings reveal that social innovation emerges unevenly across national contexts, shaped by structural conditions, institutional capacity and geopolitical positioning. The paper argues that energy shocks can function as transformative moments, fostering resilience while also exposing internal divergences within the European Union, and reshaping regional pathways toward sustainability.
Journal:Acta Historica Universitatis Klaipedensis
Volume 17 (2008): Nauji požiūriai į Klaipėdos miesto ir krašto praeitį = The City and Region of Klaipėda: New Approaches to the Past, pp. 63–77
Abstract
This paper investigates the question – why the Grand Duchy of Lithuania at the peak of its power in the 15th century, failed to acquire Klaipeda, its natural gateway to the sea, whereas the young post World War I state of Lithuania, having lost its historic capital – Vilnius, managed to annex Klaipėda and its region (Memelland). Historic facts and events, as well as evaluations and conclusions presented by Lithuanian and foreign historians, are examined by invoking classic and Lithuanian geopolitical statements and insights. Expansion to the East, which was intrinsic to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania at this time, is analysed as a major cause of its inability to expand to the Baltic shore. Opportunities to capture Klaipėda presented by the Thirteen Year War between Poland and the Teutonic Order in the 1450-60’s are evaluated. The 1923 annexation of Klaipėda and its region by Lithuania is shown as the result of a favourable geopolitical situation.