Between declaratory consensus and implementation gap: Polish and Hungarian gas diversification policy dilemma

Abstract

The presented research is in the realm of energy studies, and it seeks to shed light on the diverging gas diversification implementation approaches of Poland and Hungary. In spite of the fact that these countries have much in common from a historical, economic, social, and geopolitical standpoint, a deepening gap has been observed between their energy policies, which the thesis strives to expose. The study aims at explaining the discrepancy between the formal alignment of the states with respect to the necessity to diversify gas routes/sources and the translation and execution of such objectives in practice via thorough assessment of official documents and secondary sources. Considering the increased energy security concerns and the ongoing need to diversify the gas market in light of geopolitical developments in the region, the core timeframe of the research is the period from 2014 to 2021. While the annexation of Crimea in 2014, as well as deteriorating relations with Russia and threats from its aggressive foreign policy, are seen as the main catalysts for reassessing energy policy, gas disruptions caused by the 2006/2009 crises are also addressed and deemed the foundation for amplification of gas diversification. The research compares the gas diversification strategies of Poland and Hungary, revealing the circumstances that have prompted each country to choose a different path. The thesis’ analysis and conclusions are meant to contribute significantly to the field of energy studies and encourage further research in the subject.