Energy Security Issues: Reshaping European Regional Security Patterns?

Šekarić, Nevena (2021) Energy Security Issues: Reshaping European Regional Security Patterns? In: Europe in changes: The old continent at a new crossroads. Institute of International Politics and Economics, Belgrade; Faculty of Security Studies at the University of Belgrade, Belgrade, pp. 79-97. ISBN 978-86-7067-282-6

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Abstract

European energy security is one of the most dynamic areas where many challenges have lately occurred, especially when it comes to natural gas. Politicization and securitization of this energy issue resulted in many changes within the European energy policy, such as re-orientating attention towards diversifying energy routes and suppliers and decarbonising economies. Considering the peculiar regional dimension of relevant pipelines and their effects on regional security dynamics, the main research question could be defined as follows: Do the energy security issues have the potential to transform European regional security patterns? European energy security dynamics is analyzed through two case studies regarding the Nord Stream 2 issue and the recent energy clash on natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean. According to the defined research question and the research topic, the analysis is done through the Regional Security Complex Theory’ lenses and the concepts of energy governance and energy diplomacy viewed through the recently established Energy Union. The roles of dominant energy players within European energy security are examined, and the role of natural gas as well in the context of its potential to transform established regional security patterns, both internally and externally. The analysis employs a review of the respective literature and also an analysis of key political statements and media releases, and it is made in regard to key theoretical guidelines. The results of the conducted analysis support the affirmative answer to the proposed research question.

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