Energy-Hungry Europe: Development Projects in South-Central Europe

Abstract

In May 2005 the inauguration of the Baku – Tbilisi – Ceyhan British Petroleum oil pipeline was celebrated. The completed project was the first one of many which should support the energy-hungry Europe. The perception of the projects is viewed differently by the customers and suppliers, in particular Russia. The 2008 Russia’s invasion into Georgia is perceived by some experts as show of force to threaten such and similar projects not in accordance with plans of this energy giant. The South Stream is Russia’s own gas pipeline project (Russia – Bulgaria – Italy/Austria) was initiated as a counterpart to the North Stream (Russia – Germany). The Baltic underwater pipeline is under heavy political pressure from governments of the North. What is unique to the South Stream, the Gazprom’s recent project, is the confidence that the project will be short in execution (2013). As an opposite example to the set timeframe for the EU’s project Nabucco! The EU’s idea was initiated in 2004 and was aimed to deliver natural gas from the Caspian Sea Region and Central Asia via Turkey to Southern Europe. At the 1st Bled Forum in 2006, a Slovenian government and business leaders meeting place (where Russia was missing), the project was highly praised by European politicians and business leaders, but the miscommunication of participating politicians from the Caucasus and the Caspian region showed what a difficult task this could become. Other energy projects, like the LNG terminals in South Central Europe are discussed as well. Ecological problems related to the projects, the gas price issue and political tensions related to the Europe – Turkey and Ukraine – Russia relationships are also discussed. The 2008/2009 winter demonstrated the importance of the energy supply and distribution for Europe.