New dimensions of energy security of the enlarging EU and their impact on relations with Russia

Article abstract:

This article sets out to evaluate the impact of certain new factors of the EU's energy security policy on its relations with Russia. Buzan's approach to security sub-systems is considered, as well as the concept of security as a dynamic political process of 'securisation'. The current changes affect different dimensions of the securisation of EU energy security:

- The ongoing EU enlargement to countries historically dependent on Russia for their energy supply introduces significant modifications to the EU-Russia relationship;
- The liberalisation of gas and electricity markets and the consequent creation of the EU single energy market reinforce the EU's level of energy security;
- The implementation of the Kyoto Protocol and the integration of sustainable development affect many concepts of EU energy security.