The Western Balkans’ Energy Security in a Triangle: The Role of the EU, Russia and Turkey

Abstract

: One of the key dimensions of vivid security dynamics in the Western Balkans is concerned with its energy security, especially when considering its specific geographical position within crossed energy transportation routes between East and West. The international pipeline connection of diverse states into one regional cluster made the theme of energy security in terms of natural gas very important. The main research question is: What makes the state-of-the-art in the Western Balkans’ energy security within the context of growing Turkey’s role, besides the EU and Russia? Consequently, the main hypothesis refers to the increasing role of Turkey in the Western Balkans’ energy security. Reorienting of the EU and Russia to the supplying of South Europe via southern pipelines resulted in the increased role of Turkey in terms of the new ‘energy hub’. The energy security dynamics of the Western Balkans will be examined through case studies regarding the Southern Gas Corridor and the Turk Stream, which are making Turkey a significant actor on the East-West energy supply route. According to the already mentioned regional nature of pipelines, the analysis will shed light on the Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) and its main concepts, such as geographical proximity of these actors and their historical and cultural relations. In accordance, the role of Turkey as an insulator state in terms of RSCT will be revised. The analysis employed a literature review and qualitative content analysis of key political and security statements and media releases as well, made in regard to energy actors identified. Although the quantitative data sources were consulted, the research is of a predominantly qualitative nature.