Iran's Energy Geopolitics and EU's Approach

Since the common denominator among EU members is increasing dependence on imported oil and gas, security of energy supply is a major concern for the European Union. When assured about security and effectiveness of energy market, those countries will be able to continue increasing consumption of energy. However, the rising energy price, especially with regard to natural gas, has led to questions about future situation of energy supply security for the EU members. Therefore, this paper first focuses on the rising demand for gas and the risks of overdependence of the EU members on gas supply from Russian Gazprom Company, which may lead to repetition of Ukraine experience and the international gas crisis in 2006 and 2009. It then analyzes geopolitical and international aspects of future energy supply security for the EU and strategic plans developed by its members to handle these challenges. In conclusion, the paper introduces Iran as a good alternative source for ensuring energy security of the EU due to its geoeconomic conditions.