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Baltık Devletleri ve Rusya Federasyonu Arasındaki İlişkilerin Enerji Güvenliği Bağlamında Analizi

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 1, 120 - 137, 30.06.2025
https://doi.org/10.54282/inijoss.1637892

Abstract

Baltık Devletleri (Estonya, Letonya ve Litvanya) ile Rusya Federasyonu arasındaki enerji ilişkisi, bölgesel güvenliği etkileyen kritik bir unsurdur. Bu ilişki, enerji bağımlılığının ulusal güvenliği ve bölgesel istikrarı nasıl etkilediğini anlamak için önemlidir. Paylaşılan Sovyet altyapısı nedeniyle tarihsel olarak iç içe geçmiş olan Baltık devletleri, güvenlik endişelerine yanıt olarak Rus enerji kaynaklarına olan bağımlılığı azaltmaya çalışmakta ve Kıta Avrupası Ağı ile senkronizasyonu amaçlamaktadır. Baltık Devletlerinin enerji güvenliği konusundaki deneyimleri, küçük devletlerin büyük güçlerin etkisinden kurtulma ve bağımsız enerji politikaları geliştirme çabalarına önemli bir örnek teşkil etmektedir. Bu çalışma Baltık Devletleri ve Rusya Federasyonu arasındaki ilişkilerin enerji güvenliği bağlamında analizini amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma sorusu, Baltık Devletlerinin Rusya karşısındaki tarihsel enerji bağımlılığından kaynaklanan güvenlik risklerine yanıt olarak enerji güvenliğini sağlamak amacıyla hangi stratejik yönelimleri benimsediğidir. Çalışmanın hipotezi Baltık Devletlerinin enerji güvenliği stratejilerinin, Rusya’ya olan enerji bağımlılığının yarattığı güvenlik kaygılarından doğrudan etkilendiği ve bu durumun, AB entegrasyon süreçlerini hızlandıran bir itici güç işlevi gördüğüdür. Çalışma, Baltık bölgesinde enerji güvenliğini etkileyen son politika değişimlerini ve altyapı gelişmelerini sentezleyerek özgün içgörüler sunmaktadır. Çağdaş gelişmeleri daha geniş bir tarihsel ve jeopolitik çerçeveye yerleştirerek literatürü zenginleştirmekte ve gelecekteki politika değerlendirmeleri için öngörüler kazandırmaktadır. Bilimsel eserlerin, politika raporlarının ve hükümet kaynaklarından elde edilen verilerin incelendiği araştırmada, Baltık-Rusya enerji ilişkilerinin bağımlılık ve stratejik kopuş arasındaki bir mücadele ile karakterize edildiği sonucuna ulaşılmaktadır. Nitel araştırma yöntemiyle elde edilen tarihsel ve güncel kanıtlara göre; çeşitlilik ve AB entegrasyonuna doğru önemli adımlar atılmış olsa da geçmiş bağımlılığın mirasının, modern enerji stratejilerini ve güvenlik değerlendirmelerini etkilemeye devam edeceği değerlendirilmektedir.

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Yoktur

References

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  • Conley, H. A., Mina, J., Stefanov, R., and Vladimirov, M. (2016). The geopolitical landscape of energy security. Center for Strategic and International Studies.
  • Dreifelds, J. (1996). Latvia. In W. Iwaskiw (Ed.), Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania country studies Area Handbook Studies.
  • EIA. (2014). Caspian countries are developing new oil and natural gas export capacity. Retrieved from [https://www.e.gov/international//overview/world
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  • Hancock, K. J., and Vivoda, V. (2014). International political economy: A field born of the OPEC crisis returns to its energy roots. Energy Research and Social Science, 1, 206–216.
  • International Energy Agency. (2021). Energy policies of Baltic countries: Achievements and challenges. Retrieved from IEA website.
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  • Kasekamp, A. (2018). A history of the Baltic States. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • KN. (2021). LNG terminals. Retrieved from https://www.kn.lt/en/musu-veikla/sgd-terminalai/512
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  • Perovic, J. (2015). Energy and power in the Soviet Union: Russian and Soviet energy power and foreign policy. Cambridge University Press.
  • Persily, L. (2012). Lithuania looks to LNG to break Russian hold on gas supply. Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects. http://www.arcticgas.gov/2012-Lithuania-looks-to-LNG-to-break-Russian-hold-on-gas-supply
  • Ponars Eurasia. (2020). Regional energy policies and Baltic energy independence.
  • Palavenis, D. (2024). NATO’s enhanced forward presence in the Baltic States: Strategic implications: The nexus between the host and the framework nation. Security and Defence Quarterly, 49(1).
  • Hyde-Price, A. (2025). NATO and the Baltics Sea Region: Towards Regional Security Governance? https://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/98-00/hyde.pdf.
  • Sarna, A. (2003). The oil and gas in the "transit countries" of the former USSR. In A. Labuszewska (Ed.), The resource wealth burden—Oil and gas sectors in the former USSR (pp. 31–41). Centre for Eastern Studies.
  • Smith, K. C. (2008). Russian Energy Politics in the Baltics, Poland, and Ukraine: A New Stealth Imperialism? Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies.
  • Smith, K. (2019). Energy geopolitics in the Baltic region: Challenges and opportunities. Energy Security Journal, 16(2), 60–75.
  • Vardys, S., ve Slaven, W. (1996). Lithuania. In W. Iwaskiw (Ed.), Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Country Studies Area Handbook Studies (1st ed.). Headquarters Department of the Army.
  • T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı. (2024). Dış politika—Bölgeler. Retrieved from https://www.mfa.gov.tr/sub.tr.mfa?199113bb-f534-408f-a373-64fe1946f1b7

Analysis of Relations Between the Baltic States and The Russian Federation in The Context of Energy Security

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 1, 120 - 137, 30.06.2025
https://doi.org/10.54282/inijoss.1637892

Abstract

The energy relationship between the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) and the Russian Federation is a critical factor influencing regional security. This relationship is key to understanding how energy dependency impacts national security and regional stability. Historically interconnected through shared Soviet infrastructure, the Baltic States have sought to reduce their reliance on Russian energy sources in response to security concerns, aiming to synchronise with the Continental European Network. The experiences of the Baltic States in energy security serve as a significant example of small states striving to escape the influence of major powers and develop independent energy policies. This paper aims to analyse the relations between the Baltic States and the Russian Federation within the context of energy security. The research question is which strategic orientations the Baltic States have adopted in response to the security risks arising from their historical energy dependence on Russia. The hypothesis of the study is that the energy security strategies of the Baltic States have been directly shaped by the security concerns arising from their dependence on Russian energy, and that this has functioned as a driving force accelerating their EU integration processes. The study synthesises recent policy changes and infrastructure developments affecting energy security in the Baltic region, offering original insights. By placing contemporary developments within a broader historical and geopolitical framework, it enriches the literature and provides foresight for future policy assessments. The study which examines scientific publications, policy reports, and data from government sources, concludes that Baltic-Russian energy relations are characterised by a struggle between dependence and strategic decoupling. Based on historical and contemporary evidence obtained through qualitative research methods, it is assessed that while significant steps have been taken towards diversification and EU integration, the legacy of past dependency continues to influence modern energy strategies and security assessments.

References

  • Aalto, P. (2016). Baltic energy policies and integration with the EU. Journal of European Energy Studies, 4(2).
  • Amber Grid. (2021). Gas transmission system in Lithuania. Retrieved from https://www.ambergrid.lt/en/t-system/gas-transmission-system-in-Lithuania.
  • Andžāns, M. (2022). Energy independence in the Baltic states: Challenges and achievements. Baltic Security Journal, 8(1).
  • Baharçiçek, A. and Ağır, O. (2015). Kırım’ın Rusya Federasyonu’na bağlanmasının Rusya’ya komşu ülkelere olası etkileri. Akademik Bakış Dergisi, (52).
  • Berg, E., and Ehin, P. (2016). Identity and foreign policy: Baltic-Russian relations and European integration. Brelie, H. V. D., and Hacısalihoğlu, D. (2015, May 22). Rusya Litvanya'yı doğalgaz faturasıyla mı cezalandırıyor? Euronews. https://tr.euronews.com/2015/05/22/rusya-litvanyayi-dogal-gaz-faturasiyla-mi-cezalandiriyor
  • Center for European Policy Studies (CEPS). (2020). Energy market integration in the EU.
  • Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. (2021). Latvia's energy balance, https://www.csp.gov.lv/en.
  • Conley, H. A., Mina, J., Stefanov, R., and Vladimirov, M. (2016). The geopolitical landscape of energy security. Center for Strategic and International Studies.
  • Dreifelds, J. (1996). Latvia. In W. Iwaskiw (Ed.), Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania country studies Area Handbook Studies.
  • EIA. (2014). Caspian countries are developing new oil and natural gas export capacity. Retrieved from [https://www.e.gov/international//overview/world
  • EIA. (2015). Regional dashboards and data. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/regionstopics.cfm?RegionTopicID=CSR
  • Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. (2021). Estonia's oil shale industry. They were retrieved from Government of Estonia website.
  • European Commission. (2018). State of the energy union report.
  • European Commission. (2020). Baltic energy market interconnection plan progress report (p. 23). Brussels.
  • Frear, T. (2018). Hybrid warfare in Eastern Europe: Security challenges for NATO. RAND Corporation.
  • Galbreath, D. (2018). Energy politics in post-Soviet Europe: A focus on the Baltics. Energy and Society Quarterly, 22(3), 135–150.
  • Gazprom. (2012). Projects. Retrieved from http://www.gazpromexport.ru/en/projects/6/
  • Gazprom. (2021). Kaliningrad LNG developments. Moscow: Gazprom Press.
  • Gavrilis, P. (2009). Soviet energy legacies in the Baltics: Dependency and transition. Energy Policy Studies, 6(1), 80–90.
  • Hancock, K. J., and Vivoda, V. (2014). International political economy: A field born of the OPEC crisis returns to its energy roots. Energy Research and Social Science, 1, 206–216.
  • International Energy Agency. (2021). Energy policies of Baltic countries: Achievements and challenges. Retrieved from IEA website.
  • Kalev. (2012). Estonia seeks freedom from Russian gas. Retrieved from http://www.kalev.com/2012/03/17/estonia-seeks-independence-from-russian-gas/
  • Kasekamp, A. (2018). A history of the Baltic States. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • KN. (2021). LNG terminals. Retrieved from https://www.kn.lt/en/musu-veikla/sgd-terminalai/512
  • Kruk, M. (2014). Russian gas supplies and Baltic dependence: A security dilemma. Cambridge Review of International Affairs, 45.
  • Locatelli, C. (2018). Russian energy strategy: Impact on the EU and Eastern Europe. Journal of European Energy Policy, 131.
  • Lorot, P. (1991). Baltık ülkeleri (H. Dilli, Trans.). İletişim Yayınları.
  • Mankof, J. (2014). Russia's Latest land grab how Putin won Crimea and lost Ukraine, https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-latest-land-grab-how-putin-won-crimea-and-lost-ukraine.
  • McGlynn, J. (2021). Russia’s energy strategy: The political role of gas in Eastern Europe. International Affairs, 96.
  • Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania. (2021). Natural gas sector. Retrieved from https://enmin.lrv.lt/en/sectoral-policy/natural-gas-sector
  • Mahnken, T. (2020). The Suwalki Gap: NATO’s Achilles heel.
  • Myhre, J. (2012, March 27). Lithuania, Russia tense over natural gas law. Foreign Policy Association. https://foreignpolicyblogs.com/2012/03/27/lithuania-russia-tense-natural-gas-law/
  • Paszyc, E. (2003). The Russian energy policy. In A. Labuszewska (Ed.), The resource wealth burden-Oil and gas sectors in the former USSR. Centre for Eastern Studies.
  • Perovic, J. (2015). Energy and power in the Soviet Union: Russian and Soviet energy power and foreign policy. Cambridge University Press.
  • Persily, L. (2012). Lithuania looks to LNG to break Russian hold on gas supply. Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects. http://www.arcticgas.gov/2012-Lithuania-looks-to-LNG-to-break-Russian-hold-on-gas-supply
  • Ponars Eurasia. (2020). Regional energy policies and Baltic energy independence.
  • Palavenis, D. (2024). NATO’s enhanced forward presence in the Baltic States: Strategic implications: The nexus between the host and the framework nation. Security and Defence Quarterly, 49(1).
  • Hyde-Price, A. (2025). NATO and the Baltics Sea Region: Towards Regional Security Governance? https://www.nato.int/acad/fellow/98-00/hyde.pdf.
  • Sarna, A. (2003). The oil and gas in the "transit countries" of the former USSR. In A. Labuszewska (Ed.), The resource wealth burden—Oil and gas sectors in the former USSR (pp. 31–41). Centre for Eastern Studies.
  • Smith, K. C. (2008). Russian Energy Politics in the Baltics, Poland, and Ukraine: A New Stealth Imperialism? Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies.
  • Smith, K. (2019). Energy geopolitics in the Baltic region: Challenges and opportunities. Energy Security Journal, 16(2), 60–75.
  • Vardys, S., ve Slaven, W. (1996). Lithuania. In W. Iwaskiw (Ed.), Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Country Studies Area Handbook Studies (1st ed.). Headquarters Department of the Army.
  • T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı. (2024). Dış politika—Bölgeler. Retrieved from https://www.mfa.gov.tr/sub.tr.mfa?199113bb-f534-408f-a373-64fe1946f1b7
There are 43 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Regional Studies
Journal Section Makaleler
Authors

Zehra Aksu 0000-0003-1073-4086

Early Pub Date June 26, 2025
Publication Date June 30, 2025
Submission Date February 11, 2025
Acceptance Date May 7, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 14 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Aksu, Z. (2025). Analysis of Relations Between the Baltic States and The Russian Federation in The Context of Energy Security. İnönü Üniversitesi Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 14(1), 120-137. https://doi.org/10.54282/inijoss.1637892