EU-Russia Energy Relations in the 21st Century

Kordić Petar (The author is a master student at the Faculty of International Relations, Saint-Petersburg), petar.kordic95@gmail.com

This paper tries to portray the energy relations between the European Union and Russia, which are characterized by the recognition of mutual and joint interests in the fields of energy and the economy. This part of EU-Russia diplomatic relations is based on the principle of interdependency, which ties the two subjects into close cooperation and thus complements their otherwise turbulent relationship. The interests for which these relations are maintained are of high value to both parties and prove that EU-Russia cooperation is possible and sustainable, although with an uncertain future, having in mind other diplomatic concerns and current ongoing events in Ukraine in overall EU-Russia relations. Although far from ideal and filled with controversies and tensions, this sphere of diplomatic relations is very important and has large economic and political implications. This paper will give a brief overview of the events leading up to the existing controversies over Nord Stream 2, as well as the future implications and predictions of possible consequences regarding further energy relations between Russia and the EU.

Keywords: Russia, EU, energy, interdependence, diplomacy, gas, Ukraine, Nord Stream 2