In recent years, the Baltic Sea region has gained importance as an energy bridge between the EU and Russia. At the same time, important changes have taken place in the sphere of energy in the EU and the individual countries of the region.
“ENERGY: PULLING THE BALTIC SEA REGION TOGETHER OR APART?” is a book marking the concluding stage of a comprehensive research project implemented by researchers from think tanks and universities located in the Baltic Sea region. The project was coordinated by the Latvian Institute of International Affairs and supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers, Friedrich Ebert Foundation and Soros Foundation-Latvia.
This new contribution to the growing field of energy research offers analyses by specialists from Germany, Russia, Poland, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland and Sweden. Together they explore and assess the impact of national energy strategies on regional cooperation not only in the realm of energy but also beyond. Each author assesses his country’s energy policies and offers valuable insights in the wider regional implications of that country’s energy choices.
Starting with a discussion of EU energy policy, this volume continues with case studies of nine countries. Each case-study describes the ‘energy mix’ of a particular country, considers the decision-makers and the principal actors influencing the decision-making process, outlines the national energy strategy, and concludes by relating the national energy policy to the regional political and economic environment. The final chapter focuses on energy as a factor of regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.This book is targeted at those interested in the Baltic Sea region and the impact of energy on interstate relations in the region.