A great part of Europe is highly dependent on Russian energy, which helps to explain many of the concerns Europeans have over the developments in Ukraine.

 

Source: Eurogas (2013)

Europe must find a sustainable and diversified energy supply to reduce vulnerability to geopolitical tensions in the East. Renewable energy sources combined with an improved pipeline infrastructure might help reduce the EU’s reliance on energy imports. Assuming that Russia will continue its aggressive stance toward Europe, it is essential that EU policy makers develop a plan to reorganize Europe’s energy supply. In the future, importing liquefied natural gas from the United States might also be an avenue to better diversify the EU energy portfolio.

*9 EU member states do not import any Russian gas (Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom)

Related Experts: Ole Moehr and Andrea Montanino