June 6, 2018 by Danila Bochkarev

The European Commission’s proposed amendment to the Gas Directive is viewed by many as an attempt to block Nord Stream 2. But according to Danila Bochkarev, Senior Fellow, EastWest Institute, the Commission is thinking further ahead: it is using the proposal to try to increase its power over the EU energy market. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Energy, EU Policy, Oil, Gas & Coal, Policies Tagged With: Brussels, energy security, energy trade, energy union, EU energy policy, European gas market, gas pipelines, geopolitics, natural gas, Russia

January 25, 2017 by Danila Bochkarev

Gazprom’s gas supplies to Europe and Turkey reached an all-time record in 2016. This might suggest Europe is becoming more dependent on Gazprom, but according to Danila Bochkarev, Senior Fellow at the EastWest Institute, the Russian company gained market share by playing by the rules of the market. The European gas market is finally becoming depoliticized. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: *, Energy, EU Policy, Oil, Gas & Coal Tagged With: diversification, energy security, energy trade, energy transition, EU energy policy, European gas market, internal market, LNG, natural gas, Russia, US energy policy

February 16, 2016 by Danila Bochkarev

The financial viability of Gazprom’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline may be threatened if the EU imposes restrictions on its use, as many EU Member States advocate. According to Danila Bochkarev, Senior Fellow, EastWest Institute in Brussels, the Russian government could circumvent this hurdle if it allows independent Russia gas producers, such as Novatek and Rosneft, to use 50% of its capacity. Such a move, not unlikely, could usher in a new Russian gas … [Read more...]

Filed Under: *, Energy, EU Policy Tagged With: EU energy policy, gas pipelines, natural gas, Russia