Turkey at the Crossroads of European Energy Politics (original) (raw)

2013

Abstract

Energy security has assumed a pivotal role in the economic and energy security agendas of the EU and the US. The EU is dependent upon Russia for almost 33% of its energy needs. However, the 2009 European energy crisis triggered by Russia has forced the EU to reduce its dependence upon Russia and explore new sources of energy to meet its growing energy demand. Energy supplies from the Middle East through tankers have become risky due to the ongoing tussle between the US and Iran over the nuclear issue. Central Asia and the Caucasus with their proven and untapped reserves of oil and gas have attracted the attention of European and American oil and gas companies. However, the area is land locked and completely dependent upon Russia for the exploration, and transportation of its energy resources to the outside world. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, American and the European companies rushed into the region for securing oil and gas exploration contracts. They were however, faced with the problem of transporting the discovered resources to Europe and finally decided to go overland and use pipelines. Turkey which occupies a strategic location and acts as a bridge between Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia was seen as a natural transition route for supplying oil and gas to Europe. Turkey, dependent for most of its energy needs on Russia, does not want to annoy it, but at the same time wants to take advantage of the opportunity of serving as an energy route to the EU and the US. Turkey has so far played a balanced role by keeping Russia engaged in some of the pipeline projects passing through its territory and has also offered its territory for the passage of Russian pipelines to Europe to reduce tanker traffic through the Straits of Bosporus. Russia however, does not want to lose its hold on the supply of energy to European markets. The article offers insight into how Turkey maintains a difficult balance between Russia and Europe in this new pipeline politics.

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