Securitization of energy relations by Poland, Latvia, Denmark and Sweden: the building of Nord Stream 2

Abstract

Over the past years, discussion concerning enhancing t he security of supply and avoiding the fragmentation of EU gas market have a dominated place on the agenda of the European Commission, chaired by Jean-Claude Juncker. In this light, the proposal of the new pipeline, Nord Stream 2 has raised a couple of controversial questions. It led to a new tension within an EU-level regarding forming the two blocs, r espectively s upporters and opponents of the gas project. The thesis aims to provide the analysis of the four Member States that have voiced against t he building of the pipeline. The chosen countries consider the Nord Stream 2 project as a political tool which might divide the EU inside and ensure the Russian dominance in the European energy market. In such a situation, the particular Member States stands on blocking it to prevent the inevitable consequences. The research outlines the common stance on the gas offshore by analysing the speech acts of Member States' political leaders. According to the Copenhagen School, the thesis disputes t he degree of s ecuritization which can b e gained in the particular energy issue. Primarily, the study delves into the initial stage of the securitization known as a securitising movement. Hence, the securitising actors, their speech acts and referent objects are the essential elements of analysis. Functional actors such as Russia and Germany a re included in the research as well. Overall, the findings confirm the political significance of the energy relation in the context of t he construction of the pipeline and its effect on the further escalation of securitising movement.