EU-Russia energy relations: what chance for solutions?

En savoir plus sur le livre

Public debate about energy relations between the EU and Russia is often distorted, creating significant obstacles to a genuine partnership. At the heart of the conflict lies a struggle for resource rents among energy-producing, consuming, and transit countries. Important factors include geopolitics, market access, economic development, and state sovereignty. The EU, engaged in energy market liberalization, faces a growing gap between declining domestic resources and rising energy demand. Internal interests hinder the establishment of a coherent energy policy. Meanwhile, Russia has shifted from subsidizing neighboring economies with cheap energy exports to pursuing assertive policies that prioritize its interests. This change reflects a different approach to globalization, as Russia seeks to be more than just an energy exporter. With its vast energy potential, Russia presents an attractive option for European energy supplies amid escalating competition for global resources. However, various outcomes are possible in this strategic interplay. Non-cooperation could lead to negative consequences for all involved. The EU should focus on strengthening its partnership with Russia rather than undermining it. Stable cooperation requires recognizing that each partner may have different goals. The challenge lies in finding a sustainable compromise, which this thesis suggests could be achieved through continued dialogue, a tit-for-tat stra