Role of Energy Resources in Europe’s Geopolitical Environment

Abstract

Energy raw materials constitute the bedrock of contemporary economies and shape the global geopolitical landscape. In Europe, their role is particularly pronounced due to the growing reliance on external suppliers and the imperative to ensure energy stability under evolving politico-economic conditions. Energy crises—such as the interruptions in natural gas supplies in 2006 and 2009, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022—have underscored the strategic significance of energy resources for national security and macroeconomic resilience. This article examines the principal dimensions of energy security in Europe, focusing on the necessity of diversifying energy sources, the role of energy infrastructure, and the influence of energy commodities on international politics. It highlights the ongoing, dynamic transformation of the energy sector toward a higher share of renewable energy sources and the deployment of innovative technologies, including energy storage and hydrogen. The article also discusses the challenges associated with infrastructure modernization and the need to strike a balance between energy security objectives and the costs of the transition.