GEOECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN THE STRUGGLE FOR CONTROL IN THE EUROPEAN NATURAL GAS MARKET

The article analyzes the geopolitical situation in the European gas market. The struggle for control of hydrocarbon resources is becoming a priority. An analysis of Russian natural gas exports to European countries is carried out, a conclusion is drawn on the implementation of projects to diversify gas transportation facilities. The analysis of the European natural gas market was carried out using statistical methods of economic analysis: calculating indices, constructing series of dynamics, grouping economic indicators, and graphical methods. The capacity of the export pipelines of Russia in 2019 was estimated. The analysis of the gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine is presented. This is a compromise option that has had a great influence on the geopolitical situation in Europe and the world. The analysis of price competition in the European gas market is carried out, and recommendations for overcoming the negative trend of falling Russian gas supplies are presented. Today, Russia has high competitive advantages in the European market, but subject to the absence of political influence. In foreign energy policy, an asymmetric response to geopolitical challenges and threats in the European gas market remains the most significant characteristic of Russia’s positioning. Recommendations on the formation of a strategic system to strengthen the geoeconomic position of Russia in the European gas market have been developed.

energy geopolitics, European natural gas market, gas transmission system of Russia, pipeline gas, liquefied natural gas, Russian natural gas export, export gas pipeline, natural gas transit, natural gas sales strategy, cost of natural gas supplies.

Shchegol’kova A. A. Geoeconomic challenges in the struggle for control in the european natural gas market. Business. Education. Law, 2020, no. 2, pp. 103–108. DOI: 10.25683/VOLBI.2020.51.215.