Russia-Turkey: A Relationship Shaped by Energy
Deepening energy ties between Turkey and Russia prompt questions as to the balance of power between the two countries, with the former relying heavily on the latter for its energy needs.
In light of Europe's diversification efforts and of tensions with Ukraine, Russia is building the South Stream pipeline under the Black Sea (through Turkish territorial waters). At the same time, Turkey is strengthening its position in South Stream's rival projects, which aim to supply the EU with gas from the Caspian Sea. This means there is a difficult balance here: while Russia attempts to protect its European revenues, Turkey is trying to enhance its status as an energy hub between Europe, the Caucasus and the Middle East. In addition, the Turkish government and, increasingly, private Turkish operators are developing an energy partnership with Russia in a growing number of fields, including nuclear power. The economic significance of these common projects explains the desire of the two countries to play down their contrasting political interests in the Middle East.
This paper is the product of cooperation between the Russia/NIS Center and the Contemporary Turkey Research programme, Ifri.
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Russia-Turkey: A Relationship Shaped by Energy
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Founded in 2005 within Ifri, the Russia/Eurasia Center conducts research and organizes debates on Russia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus. Its goal is to understand and anticipate the evolution of this complex and rapidly changing geographical area in order to enrich public discourse in France and Europe and to assist in strategic, political, and economic decision-making.
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