Energy Security as a Priority for CEE countries. Is the King Naked?

Abstract

The aim of this article is to assess the implementation process of the EU energy security policy in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. In the EU, energy security remains a crucial issue for European Energy Strategy, the fundamental goals of which include the security of supply, sustainability and competitiveness. Security of supply should be considered the most important aspect in this context, because it is connected to deep interdependencies between markets and economies, often based on political or even geo-political considerations. This is currently particularly noticeable, among other things, in the relations between the EU and Russia, where – in the event of any potential energy supply disturbances – some CEE countries are considered to be the most exposed. By analysing matters referred to the security of energy supplies, the article aims to determine the scope of activities undertaken by selected CEE countries which are also EU Member States in order to achieve this goal. The paper stresses the significance of cooperation by CEE countries at regional level, and focuses on initiatives and projects meant to ensure the security of their energy supplies. The conclusions of the paper assess some of the success stories as well as failures experienced by CEE countries in the process of building their energy independence.