The question of European energy security has brought attention to the strategic significance of Southeastern Europe as a transport hub of natural gas and a key region for European energy security. The questions how to secure natural gas quantities sufficient for increasing European needs and how to reduce energy dependency on Russia led to pipeline projects aiming to provide the European market with non-Russian natural gas.

The aim of this research project was to examine the significance of the construction of new natural gas pipelines in Southeastern Europe for the promotion of European energy security, as well as regional economic cooperation. Following the study of natural gas markets and infrastructure in Greece and Turkey, this project examines European energy security policies. The three most important natural gas pipeline projects in Southeastern Europe are presented. Special attention is given to the Turkey-Greece-Italy (TGI) Interconnector pipeline due to its importance for Greek-Turkish relations. In addition, the Nabucco and South Stream projects are scrutinised. This project concludes with policy proposals for the improvement of European energy security.

Dr. Ioannis N. Grigoriadis was the project coordinator, while Dr. Thanos Dokos was the project supervisor.

This research project was funded by the European Social Fund (75%) and the Hellenic General Secretariat of Research and Technology (25%).