An Assessment of Energy Security Performance in the Context of European Integrations

Abstract

As a result of an ongoing energy crisis, energy security became a focal point of political debates across Europe. This paper aims to evaluate Serbian approach to protection of energy security relating to the process of European integrations. The thesis conducts a content analysis, evaluating the developments in Serbia's energy sector in the context of obligations and commitments made to the European Union and examines whether the adherence to the EU energy standards promulgates or challenges energy security performance in the country. The study concludes that Serbia observance of the EU energy-related policies is higher when the Union's approach is not detrimental for Serbia's security of supply. Further, the thesis finds that characteristics of Serbian energy security are inherently incompatible with the EU energy strategy and thereby the national energy security performance would be unfavourably impacted during the period of energy transition and adequate implementation of reforms. Keywords: energy security, Serbia, European Union, European integrations