The Effects of the Russian Energy Sector on the Security of the

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Baltic States

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EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

2006

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The European Commission forecasts an energy dependence level of 70% in 2030 for the European

Union compared with 50% today1. It is also generally agreed that the world’s energy demand and

consumption will continue its growth for decades. Furthermore 40% of EU gas imports originate

from Russia and by 2030 over 60% of EU gas imports are expected to come from Russia with

overall EU dependence on gas imports expected to reach 80%2. Therefore, European dependence

on the Russian energy sector does not only weaken the security of the Baltic States, but also that

of the European Union (EU) itself. Without a significant domestic energy supply, the EU needs to

guarantee the security of its external energy supply sources. This, however, must be done without

negatively affecting the security of other EU member states.