Europe Held Hostage?

The current Russian-Ukrainian gas war caused a complete halt in the delivery of natural gas from Russia, through Ukraine, to Europe. In particular, the conflict cut off South Eastern Europe from natural gas deliveries. Extending more than twelve days, the situation is unprecedented. Europe finds itself a hostage and victim of an ostensibly commercial dispute. Despite its desire to remain on the sidelines, Europe felt obliged to engage in the bilateral conflict and take a position. This article explores the extent of the EU's room for maneuver and the instruments it can bring to bear in resolving the crisis and its original causes. The very nature of the Russian-Ukrainian gas dispute is structural, meaning that its resolution requires European political action to address long-term issues. To be effective, the EU has to tackle the problems constricting its gas imports on different levels: bilaterally with Russia and Ukraine, internally within Europe, and internationally with a host of multinational players. No simple remedy will work, so the EU has to rely on a set of measures and tools that comprehensively address energy, foreign, and economic policies. The need for multilateral energy governance on the continent is more acute than ever. All other measures will become effective only in the medium or long run.