Eu-Russian Energy Policy — Single or Multiple Policy Paradigms?

Abstract

This article explores possible explanatory frameworks for the increasingly important EU-Russian energy relationship. It begins with an examination of traditional policy paradigms from the separate perspectives of both parties. Through exploration of the energy security situation in the European Union and the supply position in Russia, the paper concludes that the overall EU-Russian energy relationship can be best explained through a framework of mutual interest and dependency: That is, the EU is becoming increasingly, but not totally, dependent on Russian energy supplies, particularly of gas and Russia is becoming increasingly, but not totally dependent, on European markets. Nevertheless, other paradigms continue to yield useful insights in relation to individual components of the EU-Russian energy relationship.