Myth of Diversification
Europe and Caspian Natural Gas
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
The Caspian Sea’s natural gas deposits have raised expectations not only in the West but also within the region. Whereas Europe links these resources to its hopes for a further regional diversification of its gas imports, the states of Central Asia would like to emancipate themselves from Russia. But to reorient gas exports to the West, a number of conditions would have to be fulfilled. Azerbaijan will most likely be able to export substantial quantities of gas to Europe, while Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan will supply mainly Russia and China. Europe should not get involved in a politically motivated “diversification race” with Gazprom.
(Osteuropa 8-9/2007, pp. 449–462)