Europe’s energy security – should they be worried?

Question 1

Yes

Answer 1

The amount of gas Russia supplies to Europe means that any disruptions have large-scale impacts

Question 2

No

Answer 2

Even during the Cold war the supply of Russian gas was stable and the Europe is now looking to enhance its energy security through:
• Reducing its dependence on Russia—building of the South Caucasus pipeline supplying gas from Azerbaijan via Turkey, bypassing Russian territory altogether
• Press Russia and Ukraine to sign long-term contracts, with accepted pricing formulae, similar to those that Gazprom already has with most EU countries.
• Diversify its sources of energy, something that it must do anyway if it is to meet its ambitious climate-change targets.