Trans-European energy networks and their impact on the development of European energy

Abstract

The paper examines current problems of and prospects for the development of legal regulation of Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E) taking into account recent geopolitical changes. TEN-E is one of the areas of development of trans-European networks. It contributes to the integration of the economies of EU member States. The current problem is securing the uninterrupted supply of natural gas to the EU countries for energy purposes. In 1991-2021, the EU energy sector greatly increased its dependence on imports of energy resources, including imports of natural gas. Russia's share in natural gas supplies is very large (about 40%). In 2022-2023, amid the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and subsequent sanctions against Russia, the European Union experienced an energy crisis. EU countries have been trying to diversify gas supplies but this requires the formation and further development of a unified gas supply and distribution system. In 2009-2019, a unified trans-European electrical network was formed in the EU. Now it is necessary to establish a unified trans-European system for the supply and distribution of natural gas across European countries. This requires a significant change to the directive regulating the European gas market. The creation of a unified trans-European gas network will improve Europe's position in the global gas market and better ensure the energy security for the European Union.