What is Europe’s role in resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia?
A2: While the 2006 Russian gas cutoff brought attention to the role of energy as a vital security component, the European Union has been slow to implement the extensive and often politically challenging policy changes needed to create a cohesive and integrated energy market. The Orange Revolution presented an excellent opportunity to work with a newly empowered Ukrainian government to reform its gas sector, including transit, which is so vital to Europe’s own energy security. However, this opportunity was squandered by both Ukraine and its Western friends. There was much talk about new pipeline routes, such as Nordstream, Nabucco, and South Stream, but often these long-term projects are distractions from facing near-term energy realities. There are several actions that Europe can take to strengthen its immediate energy security. These include reducing the role of the monopolies and “national champions” that interfere with the actions of free markets and integrating the new members of t
