Lithuanian Energy Security: Lithuania's Dependence on Energy Supply From Russia.

摘要

The supply of energy resources, their prices, and future evaluation have become an important issue for Lithuanian energy security, and for Lithuanian national security as well. Nowadays Lithuania is far too dependent on energy supply from Russia, not to mention the fact that currently Russia is pursuing a policy of exports expansion and is trying to increase the dependence of Lithuania and all the European Union (EU) on energy imports from Russia. This paper will analyze the influence of energy security on national security, and particularly the impact of the state s energy policy on national security. Also, the Lithuanian law on energy, international treaties which could influence Lithuania s energy policy, and EU restrictions on the state s energy policy will be assessed. An analysis of Lithuania s dependence on energy and energy resources supply from foreign countries will be undertaken, as well as Russia s energy interests in Lithuania, and how Russia uses energy supply as a lever in its bilateral relations. Finally, analysis of the challenges and prospects of integrating Lithuania s energy sector into the Western energy sector will be provided. The paper will culminate with some conclusions and recommendations.