European Union Energy Security Focusing on the Natural Gas Sector in the Context of Current Events

Abstract

The issue of energy security and energy dependence has been discussed in many studies by different authors. The aim of this study is to show the high value of energy dependence of the European Union on the import of fossil energy sources from Russia in the context of the war in Ukraine. This paper used the theory of mutual interdependence and warned about the critical situation of mutual energy relations between the European Union and Russia and the risk associated with the low level of energy security of the European Union. The Article evaluated mutual energy relations between the European Union and Russia, which were given a new dimension in connection with Russian aggression in Ukraine. Equally the article accented the political element of mutual energy relations. Based on the theory of interdependence, the article explains the importance and risks of exporting and importing raw materials for Russia and the EU member states. The analysis was mainly based on data from the European statistical agency Eurostat. The synthesis of knowledge confirmed the urgent need to strengthen the energy security of the European Union. The conclusions of this article can be applied to other case studies that will continue research on the given topic and will respond to the current situation in Ukraine.