Gas market developments and their effect on relations between Russia and the EU

The changes on the European Union (EU) gas market are likely to affect Europe's relations with its natural gas suppliers who are facing increasing competition. Heading this list of producing countries is Russia. Gas relations between Russia and the EU are characterised by strong interdependence. But these relations are currently being hampered by serious lack of understanding, making it difficult for the two parties to reach agreement on a new energy partnership. The aim of this article is to analyse the effects of this new European gas context on Gazprom's strategy and how the issues of energy security and cooperation between Russia and the EU will be affected by this new order.