Determinants and challenges of energy security in EU countries

Abstract

The primary objective of the paper is to present threats and challenges to ensuring energy security in EU countries. Reflections on this topic were carried out using various definitions of the general concept of energy security, its determinants, and the key areas. The article is based on available studies containing analyses of energy security in EU countries against the background of its general concept described in different approaches. The study contains an analysis of different approaches to the issue of energy security with added value primarily in the presentation of the perspectives of energy security of the EU countries in the aspect of the current challenges arising from the geopolitical situation in Europe and the world, and in particular the consequences of economic crisis. In addition, attention was drawn to the characteristics of energy security as a public good. The publication presents the concept of energy security, with particular emphasis on the issue of its provision in relation to EU countries. The results achieved made it possible to define its essential determinants and scope. In addition, fundamental challenges to the EU energy security policy and ways to overcome them were formulated.