SOUTH CAUCASIAN ENERGY TRANSIT:PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

This article examines the special features of forming South Caucasian energy transit as a potentially important component of the world market and the European Union's energy security. It shows the specifics of the role of the energy resource export countries and transit states, the special features of Russia's position as both the largest energy resource supplier and a transit country, and the complicated nature of the latter's energy partnership with the EU. It analyzes the situation in the world energy market and the contradictory nature of energy cooperation between Russia and the European Union, which is increasing the EU's interest in creating a South Caucasian energy corridor. It also analyzes Azerbaijan's key importance from the viewpoint of South Caucasian energy transit and the special features of the country's energy cooperation with Turkey, Russia, and Iran. It examines several alternatives for transporting gas from Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to the European markets and justifies the expediency of choosing implementable and economically lucrative projects.