| Abstract [eng] |
Lithuania and Finland: A Comparative Analysis of Approaches to Energy Security Lithuania and Finland – both being members of EU and 100 % dependent on natural gas supply from Russia had different responses to the energy threats posed by this country. Complex interdependence and “Two level game” theories were used in order to understand the differences between the energy security awareness of Lithuania and Finland and the reasons behind their efforts to increase flexibility. The first part of the paper defines Lithuania’s and Finland’s energy security situations, energy projects and their sensitivity and vulnerability to Russian energy supplies by using complex interdependence theory. The second part concentrates on Lithuania’s and Finland’s international relations and internal political processes. “Two level game” theory states that both levels are equally important and have mutual impact. On the international level, three platforms of negotiations were distinquished: bilateral relations with Russia, implementation of EU energy policy and the role in United Nations in relation to energy. On the internal political process level, the povisions of internal actors towards energy security are analyzed. The factors of the formation of such provisions are also considered. The analysis leads to the conclucions that the dominant aspect in Lithuania‘s energy policy is security with the driving motive of gaining independence from Russia, while dominant aspect of Finland‘s energy security is commercial viability with promoting the development of renewable energy. Lithuania is proactively implementing European Union‘s integrational energy policy and decreasing dependence on Russia‘s energy supply, while Finland is implementing such energy projects that increase countrie‘s dependence on Russia. Approaches towards development of nuclear energy also differs between the two coutries due to the different nuclear power plants operating experiences and competitive energy projects in the region. Provisions of internal actors and market situations in the countries also lead to different efforts of the two countries in using EU provided tools for reduction of dependence on Russia. The final conclusion is that the harmonization and liberalization of EU’s internal energy market is troubling as countries differ in their understanding of energy security situation and their efforts to reduce their dependence on Russia. |
