Energy security and geopolitics in the trans-Europe space

Abstract

Energy constitutes a crucial matter for both the EU countries and the states in the European neighborhood. Notwithstanding the exceptional effort in decarbonizing and in fostering renewable energies, EU countries still depend on imports of hydrocarbons from extra-EU countries. This dependence has deep implications both in terms of security of supply for member states and in terms of price paid for energy by end consumers. Starting from an assessment of the drivers of demand, supply and prices, the chapter will examine the role of geopolitical issues in shaping the energy sector by considering two broad case studies: the relations of the EU with its main natural gas supplier, Russia, and with the world's main oil suppliers, countries in the Middle East.