Cooperation on Energy Security: The European Perspective

Nicolò Sartori reminds us of energy projects landmarks that have (and still are) significantly shaping regional geopolitical dynamics. He commences with the Turkey’s importance as energy bridge between the East and West what became clear (across the entire transatlantic community) with rapid emergence of energy security concerns in the European Union at the beginning of the 2000s. Energy security interests have been a powerful driver for the strengthening of Turkey’s Transatlantic ties. Turkey’s rapid economic growth led to an impressive increase in domestic energy demand, forcing Ankara to expand its gas imports from abroad, particularly from Russia. He argues that despite the ups and downs, Turkish policymakers are keeping energy cooperation with the West alive, in large part to counterbalance its dependence on potentially unreliable energy partners elsewhere.