Energy security is a topic with growing importance on the global political agendas. Within the European Union (EU) the consideration of supply security is of particular significance as the member states depend on outside sources, meaning principally oil and gas, to satisfy their need of energy. The EU-27 was dependent on oil imports on 82.6% and on gas imports on 60.3% in 2007. Own resources are not sufficient and in the present days the EU merely covers 46.9% of the energy consumption by its own means. When the current trends proceed the EU will be dependent on 90% for oil, 70% for gas and 100% for coal in years 2030-40.
Therefore, the role of producer countries becomes increasingly important, especially regarding Russia as it is the biggest importer to the EU in crude oil, gas and hard coal. The supply dependence on Russia could have severe consequences for the EU as gas disruptions leading to supply crises in several member states like in 2006 and 2009 had already shown.
But also the Russian Federation is dependent because the EU is one of the most important consumers of its gas and oil exports. Russia’s economy is reliant on oil and gas production; in 2007 the energy sector generated about 64% of its exports revenues. Accordingly, Russia also has to deal with the problem of energy security, but in the perspective that it aims at securing demand and the purchase of its gas and oil resources, especially by the EU.
As both parties depend on each other in their energy security there is a case of interdependence in the EU-Russian energy relationship. When examining this relation of interdependence it is interesting not just to regard the present state of affairs but also the trends and future development and how the EU and Russia deal with that. For the analysis the notions of sensitivity and vulnerability are used. The guiding research question of this paper is therefore: What is the degree of sensitivity and vulnerability for the EU and Russia regarding their relation of interdependence in energy security? It is hypothesized that the Russian Federation is more vulnerable, especially on the subject of its political strategy.
The concept of interdependence by Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye provides the theoretical basis for this paper. In order to conclude this paper, the degrees of sensitivity and vulnerability of the actors are evaluated and the hypothesis is proven right or wrong.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theory
3. Methodology
3.1. Sensitivity
3.2. Vulnerability
4. Analysis
4.1. Sensitivity
4.1.1. European Union
4.1.2. Germany
4.1.3. Lithuania
4.1.4. Russia
4.2. Vulnerability
4.2.1. European Union
4.2.2. Germany
4.2.3. Lithuania
4.2.4. Russia
5. Conclusion
6. References
Objectives and Research Focus
This essay investigates the interdependent relationship between the European Union and Russia regarding energy security, specifically analyzing how sensitivity and vulnerability shape their strategic interactions. The study aims to evaluate the degree of dependence for both parties and determine whether their long-term political strategies effectively mitigate these risks.
- Theoretical framework of complex interdependence (Keohane & Nye).
- Comparative analysis of energy consumption and market dynamics.
- Case studies of individual member states (Germany and Lithuania).
- Evaluation of vulnerability through diversification efforts and political strategy.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
Energy security is a topic with growing importance on the global political agendas. Within the European Union (EU) the consideration of supply security is of particular significance as the member states depend on outside sources, meaning principally oil and gas, to satisfy their need of energy. The EU-27 was dependent on oil imports on 82.6 % and on gas imports on 60.3 % in 2007 (European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy and Transport [DG TREN], 2010, p. 13). Own resources are not sufficient and in the present days the EU merely covers 46.9 % of the energy consumption by its own means (p. 13). When the current trends proceed the EU will be dependent on 90 % for oil, 70 % for gas and 100 % for coal in years 2030-40 (Umbach, 2010, p. 1236).
Therefore, the role of producer countries becomes increasingly important, especially regarding Russia as it is the biggest importer to the EU in crude oil, gas and hard coal. The supply dependence on Russia could have severe consequences for the EU as gas disruptions leading to supply crises in several member states like in 2006 and 2009 had already shown.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the research topic regarding EU-Russian energy interdependence and defines the guiding research question and hypothesis.
2. Theory: Explains the concept of 'complex interdependence' by Keohane and Nye, focusing on the core indicators of sensitivity and vulnerability.
3. Methodology: Details the approach for selecting case studies and the criteria used to measure sensitivity and vulnerability in energy markets.
3.1. Sensitivity: Discusses the quantitative analysis of domestic energy markets and consumption trends.
3.2. Vulnerability: Describes the assessment of diversification strategies, including pipeline infrastructure and alternative energy sources.
4. Analysis: Presents the empirical assessment of the EU and Russia, including specific member state case studies.
4.1. Sensitivity: Compares the current energy consumption mixes of the EU, Germany, Lithuania, and Russia.
4.1.1. European Union: Examines the high reliance of the EU-27 on energy imports.
4.1.2. Germany: Analyzes the energy mix and import dependency of Germany as a major EU market.
4.1.3. Lithuania: Focuses on Lithuania's unique energy reliance, particularly following the closure of nuclear facilities.
4.1.4. Russia: Assesses Russia’s domestic energy consumption and production stability.
4.2. Vulnerability: Examines long-term strategic adjustments and diversification efforts.
4.2.1. European Union: Discusses EU pipeline projects and political efforts to enhance supply security.
4.2.2. Germany: Reviews Germany's specific engagement with Russian energy infrastructure and renewable investments.
4.2.3. Lithuania: Discusses the high vulnerability of Lithuania due to limited alternatives and economic constraints.
4.2.4. Russia: Evaluates Russia’s political strategy, including export market diversification and domestic investment challenges.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings and evaluates the research hypothesis in the context of future energy cooperation.
6. References: Provides the bibliographic list of sources used in the paper.
Keywords
Energy security, European Union, Russia, Interdependence, Sensitivity, Vulnerability, Complex interdependence, Gas imports, Diversification, Supply crisis, Market liberalism, Economic nationalism, Energy mix, Germany, Lithuania
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the energy security relationship between the European Union and Russia, focusing on their mutual interdependence and the resulting economic and political implications.
What are the primary theoretical themes used in the analysis?
The study utilizes the concept of "complex interdependence," developed by Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye, to measure the sensitivity and vulnerability of both actors.
What is the main research question?
The research asks what the specific degree of sensitivity and vulnerability is for the EU and Russia within their energy relationship, and whether these states can successfully navigate these challenges.
Which methodology is applied to the study?
The author uses a comparative approach, analyzing the aggregate EU situation alongside specific member state case studies (Germany and Lithuania) and the Russian perspective.
What does the main analysis part cover?
The analysis is divided into "Sensitivity" (current consumption states) and "Vulnerability" (long-term strategic adjustments and diversification capabilities).
Which keywords best describe this document?
Key terms include energy security, complex interdependence, sensitivity, vulnerability, diversification, supply crisis, and geopolitical energy strategy.
How does the author categorize the vulnerability of Lithuania compared to Germany?
Lithuania is described as having exceptionally high vulnerability due to its reliance on Russian imports and limited economic capacity for diversification, whereas Germany, despite being sensitive, has more resources and alternative options.
What is the conclusion regarding Russia's political strategy?
The author concludes that Russia’s current strategy is often "self-defeating" because it jeopardizes long-term relations with its most important consumer, the EU, rather than fostering sustainable cooperation.
- Citar trabajo
- Lea Sarah Kulick (Autor), 2010, Energy Security of the European Union and Russia: A relationship of interdependence, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/187768
