Das Machtproblem der EU-Energieaußenpolitik

For the European Union, dependence on natural gas imports is an issue of both internal and external power. This study examines how the EU can hone its own power instruments as a purchasing giant and use them more effectively vis-à-vis third countries. The author argues that in addition to its supply dependency, the EU needs to tackle risks such as corruption, shortcomings in the rule of law and imported state-capitalist practices to guarantee its energy security. In order to analyse the EU's internal and external power problems, the author develops the concepts of ‘integration power’ and ‘projection power’, which he places upon a robust theoretical foundation in political science. A series of policy recommendations for action in the age of globalised natural gas markets concludes the study.