EAP Think Bridge - № 2017-07 - Stronger energy security platform for EAP region, current situation analysis and recommendations (PIC Promotion of the Intercultural Cooperation, 2017)
Energy is a much broader issue for the EAP countries than economy or even security. In fact, this is an issue of the state independence, and the leverage Moscow has a habit of using to put pressure on those aspiring to escape its control. The Russian energy products were many times a decisive factor for choosing of a certain geopolitical way, and the perspective to be left without the Russian supplies overturned the ambitions of the European integration for the countries of the region. Will the Eastern Partnership be able to create a common energy platform and deprive Kremlin of one of its best cards? What are the preconditions for such cooperation and what stands in its way? The answers you will find in the analysis by Azerbaijani expert Ahmad Alili. While in June Georgia faced Russia interfering with its foreign policy yet again. Concerns have been raised by the Russian diplomats regarding the prospects of the Tbilisi's deeper cooperation with NATO.