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Energy politics affect all aspects of daily life through the vast use of energy from households to industries. Hence, the issue of energy security remains a crucial and compelling one. This study aims to explore the current literature on energy security, natural gas geopolitics in particular, within the triangle of Russia, Turkey and the European Union (EU).

The first two legs of the study deal with Russia, which is the biggest natural gas supplier in the world, and the EU, which is the biggest energy market for Russian gas supplies. The third leg, however, is neither a major natural gas supplier nor a giant energy market but a potential energy hub, namely, Turkey.

Regarding the linkage between European integration and Europe’s external energy policy, this study aims to shed light on the major risks of natural gas dependency for Russia and the measures that have been taken to overcome this problem. Within that framework, there will also be emphasis on two aspects of the energy relationship in this triangle: the feasibility of the EU supported Nabucco pipeline project as an alternative to the Russian gas; and the impact of energy on Turkey’s accession process.

In order to exemplify the EU's efforts to diversify its energy routes, the Nabucco pipeline project has been chosen, which offers a win-win situation for both the EU and Turkey - the key country in the connection point. Firstly, it can offer a solution to the dependency on Russian gas exports, and secondly Turkey will gain key importance for European security which in turn can be leverage for the country’s membership status.

The main argument of this study is that, on one hand the alternative project of Nabucco, as some argue, may not be sufficient enough on its own to meet the EU’s natural gas demand and on the other hand, the achievement of this project is advantageous anyway and can play a catalyzing role in Turkey’s EU membership process.

Ece Ozkan is studying for an MA in politics at New York University.

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March 11, 2011

Joanna San Juan

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This is a very interesting study that highlights how EU priorities and policies can be altered in light of energy security issues. We have seen how Russia was able to wield power from its monopoly in the natural gas market when it suddenly cut gas supply to Ukraine in 2006 and 2009. It is in the interest of the EU to diversify its natural gas sources and mitigate its dependence on Russia. The Nabucco pipeline project has certainly created an interesting turn for Turkey, in its aspirations of gaining membership into the EU. I agree that its energy proposition has given it significant leverage in its application for membership. Though EU member countries have expressed their concerns on issues such as security and the possible inflow of Muslim immigrants, we may soon see how these concerns weigh against energy politics if the Turkish application gains speed. In 2006, European Commission President Barroso believed that accession will not happen until 2021. This may be moved forward in light of energy security considerations.

April 10, 2012

Klaas Kwakkel

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Dear Miss Ozkan,

I am writing this message on behalf of the Energy Delta Institute (EDI), located in The Netherlands (www.energydelta.org). I am working at the Intelligence Unit and one of our tasks is to monitor the energy field for recent developments and to collect information from all over the world. One of the ways we do this is by publishing a journal every three months, the Quarterly (see www.energydelta.org/mainmenu/edi-intelligence-2/our-services/quarterly-2" target="_blank" class="external" title="http://www.energydelta.org/mainmenu/edi-intelligence-2/our-services/quarterly-2">http://www.energydelta.org/mainmenu/edi-intelligence-2/our-services...). The subject for our next edition is the security of supply of energy and I was wondering whether you would be interested in writing a contribution for the Quarterly (max. 2000 words). If you are, please send me an email (kwakkel@energydelta.nl) with your contact details so that I will be able to contact you.

I hope to hear from you,
Yours sincerely,

Klaas Kwakkel

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