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

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.