Securing Supply: The Role of Natural Gas and Oil Pipelines in Central and Eastern Europe’s Energy Landscape

This chapter examines the intricate network of natural gas and oil corridors in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), focusing on the impacts of recent geopolitical shifts on energy stability and supply security. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has fundamentally altered the region’s reliance on Russian energy, prompting an urgent push towards diversification and resilience. In response, CEE countries are intensifying efforts to diversify energy sources, investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, the Baltic Pipe, and gas routes from Azerbaijan, while enhancing regional interconnectivity through infrastructure like the Southern Gas Corridor. However, these adjustments face significant logistical, political, and infrastructural challenges, especially as the region grapples with limited renewable potential and the complexity of a long-term shift to greener energy sources. The chapter further discusses emerging trends, including the adoption of LNG, the development of the Central European Hydrogen Corridor, and evolving energy partnerships that underscore CEE’s strategic role in Europe’s pursuit of energy independence. These efforts mark a transformative period for the region, as it strives to secure a sustainable, resilient energy landscape in alignment with broader EU decarbonization objectives.