Andoura, Sami. (2007) Security of supply and the external dimension of a European energy policy? Egmont European Affairs Working Papers, 2007. [Working Paper]
Abstract
The concept of energy security, mainly security of supply, is making a big comeback on the European scene. Recent events and energy crises have jolted the European Union into debating the development of a comprehensive European Energy Policy. Europe’s strong feeling of insecurity has increased tenfold due to the Ukraine-Russia gas dispute; the tremendous increase of energy prices; the uncertain and controversial state of energy reserves; the disequilibrium between the increase of demand and the contraction of the offer; and finally its reliance on chronically unstable energy suppliers. Europe’s increasing energy dependence, together with a decrease of its indigenous energy production and a limited combined contribution from renewable and nuclear energies, have added further to the urgency of this debate. In short, the core of the analysis in this article regards the external dimension of any European energy policy, with the objective of securing energy supplies for Europe. The first part addresses the ongoing evolution of the European concern regarding security of energy supply since its initial stage. The second, third, fourth and fifth parts respectively describe the existing bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation with energy producer, transit and consumer countries. The final part provides conclusions and puts forward some remarks for the future.
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