European Union Energy Diplomacy: Development, State And Perspectives

Šekarić Stojanović Nevena (), nevena.sekaric@diplomacy.bg.ac.rs

Although an adequate approach to energy resources has always been a strategic value for states, it seems that international interest in this issue has never been greater than it is today. The interconnection of the energy sector with phenomena such as combating climate change, energy transition, and the securitization of energy dependence and energy relations has contributed to treating access to energy resources as a matter of high politics. In addressing the numerous challenges related to energy issues, therefore, states employ various political means at their disposal. The European Union, as one of the largest energy consumers, significantly shapes the global energy market through its external energy politics. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present the key components of the European energy diplomacy. The author starts from the assumption that specific contextual factors have influenced the evolution of European energy diplomacy and shaped it into a more assertive approach. The methodological framework contains a critical literature review and secondary data analysis serving the identification of key determinants of European external energy politics.

Keywords: energy diplomacy, energy governance, energy sustainability, the European Union