The Role of Gazprom in Russian-European Economic Relations

The goal of this work is to analyse the role of Russian giant gas company Gazprom in the economic relations between Russian Federation and Europe. An analysis, with focus on historical development of Russian gas industry and activities of Gazprom in European markets, provides a framework of Russian-European relations. This work also identifies the main trends that affect the international Energy Security, the formulation of the balance of interests between net exporters and net importers of natural gas. As a result of gas conflicts with Ukraine, Gazprom in order to secure its supplies to Europe builds new undersea gas mains bypassing transit countries. European Commission initiates an antitrust investigation against Gazprom to prove that the company is abusing its dominant position. Moscow sees investigation as a political attempt to curb Russia's interests in Europe and prohibits strategic companies to release any information to foreign officials. The work also looks at the potential development with regards to this case.