Energy Security For The Euro-Atlantic Region

Energy security has become one of the central themes for the international community and organisations such as NATO, because the importance of energy has never been as overwhelming as it is today. The dependency of many NATO countries on foreign energy supplies is going to increase. The article discusses possible alternatives, including diversification of supply of hydrocarbons, exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, nuclear energy, renewables and increased energy efficiency.

The bulk of the problems associated with energy security derive from the fact that instead of being treated just like any other sector of the economy, energy is often subject to an extensive state control. If left to the market forces and competition alone, it is very likely that many acute issues would disappear altogether. Therefore, while trying to promote the notion of liberalising the energy market, the Euro-Atlantic community has no other choice but to continue playing old geopolitical games. In the short term, it needs to augment its solidarity to ensure that none of its members are exposed to energy blackmailing. NATO should play an increasing role in the domain of energy security. The Alliance can provide an added value both due to its capacity in the area of physical protection of energy infrastructure and because it is a unique vehicle for co-operation and co-ordination among members of the transatlantic community.