The geopolitics of energy in southeastern Europe the case of oil and gas pipelines

Abstract

The evolutions in the field of energy systems within the geopolitical zones
of Eurasia and SE Mediterranean have deteriorated the situation in the
Balkan Peninsula. Today, oil and natural gas present a new dynamic challenge
in the Balkan region. The map of energy, as drawn in the next century,
comprises the existing oil and natural gas pipeline networks as well as the
construction of new networks in combination with harbour and oil facilities.
The main protagonist of the energy network game in Eurasia is Russia, being
owner and distributor of the energy resources of Caucasus. Greece and
Bulgaria take advantage of the Russian interests, so as to intervene in the
pipeline issues. Turkey is the “natural” continental exit of the energy wealth of
Caucasus and Central Asia. At the same time, Turkey controls the last stage
of exit of oil reserves from the former Soviet Union to the Mediterranean Sea.
From its ports, the tankers, crossing the Black Sea, transported oil to the
Mediterranean Sea and the markets of the West through the Bosporus Straits
and the Dardanelles.