After the 2009 Russia-Ukrainian gas crisis which impeded Russian gas deliveries to EU member states, energy security has become one of EU’s main priorities. During this crisis, EU representatives implemented negotiations between Moscow and Kiev. After 2009, EU enacted policies and infrastructure programs to improve their member states’ preparation for a new crisis. In June 2014, after months of deteriorating relations, Ukraine faced an important price increase on gas imports and an obligation to repay its gas debts. Kiev rejected both, and Gazprom cut gas. However, this time, gas transit to Europe was not halted. In response, the EU implemented three-sided negotiations, encouraged gas storage for winter and used reverse flow mechanisms to send gas to Ukraine. This paper analyzes the evolution of EU’s response to gas disputes and the influence of policies and mechanisms implemented after 2009 on EU’s capacity to reduce their impact on its members and Ukraine.
