European energy security and Nord Stream a case study of the Nord Stream pipeline, its opportunities and risks for Europe, and its impact on European energy security

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the interpretation and implementation of energy security in the European context concerning the Nord Stream pipeline. Nord Stream has been, and sti ll is, highly debated across Europe because of its enormous opportunities for Europe — it will give Europe access to the largest known reserves of gas worldwide — and because of the risks involved. Nord Stream provides Russia with an option to gain an advantag eous position over Europe concerning energy policies, thus raising the fears of Nord Stream‘s critics that Russia might use this leverage to promote its own position in political areas other than energy. It is, therefore, essential to analyze the opportuni ties and risks associated with Nord Stream for Europe, and to give thought for future mechanisms of European energy security that will assist in maximizing opportunities and minimizing risks.