CIS, Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, Macroeconomics and macroeconomic policy, Trade, economic integration and globalization

Energy Sector in the CIS: Policy Challenges and the Importance for the EU

Decreasing energy production and increasing consumption in the European Union, as well as a dependency trend on Russian gas, will shape cooperation between the EU and the CIS and define the latter’s importance as an energy supplier to the EU.  On the road to partaking the EU energy market, however, the CIS must first resolve questions of export capacity and transport infrastructure. 

Yet these are not the only challenges facing the region.  Vertically integrated monopolies that retain power and influence beyond the energy sector, most often with energy being a question of political management, threats of regional conflicts, public perceptions regarding energy tariffs, a lack of culture of international cooperation and pipeline access all influence the development of the energy sector in the CIS. 

The report is the outcome of The Economic Aspects of the Energy Sector in CIS Countries and ENEPO FP6 projects, which findings were presented in Moscow on 27 June 2008, and subsequently in Brussels and London. 

Find out more about the project.