Analyzing Energy Security and Sustainable Development in Southeast Europe from a Multidimensional Approach

Abstract

Energy plays a vital role in the sustainable development of a nation and regions as well, thus affordable and reliable energy supplies are crucial for this development. South East Europe countries are characterized from high energy dependence and face several difficulties in guaranteeing a sustainable development. Only an integrated approach, which combines all the dimensions of energy security, can be a successful way for nations to guarantee their energy security and sustainable development. The scope of this paper is to analyze energy sector and sustainable development in Southeast Europe, with a focus on economic, social, environmental and geopolitical dimension of energy security. The methodology used for this paper combines energy security approach and Regional Security Complex Theory, with a focus in Regional Energy Security Complexes. Energy sector in this region is characterized by a problematic energy infrastructure, low system reliability and low efficiency, energy dependence and lack of diversification of energy sources, all elements with a direct impact on energy security. The data used for this paper are based upon the data of World Bank, International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund and United Nations.