NORD STREAM 2 and its Soft Power – an Unfolding Playground for the European Union

Abstract

This paper focuses on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in a double reflection (Russia - the candle, Germany - the mirror) handling one particular aspect that influences Russia-EU relations since the Ukrainian factor emerged as a playground for both East and West tectonic plates - namely the energy sector. It is vital for any global power to understand this approach in order to reach people’s minds, in order to emerge as leaders on the world map and to build a strong perception over a political scene. A recently debated subject is Nord Stream 2. The reason why I have chosen to explore this subject is because I am very interested in how Kremlin seeks to have an exclusive control over Eastern Europe, given the full debate in the last three years. In this thesis I will also discuss some important elements of the Russian Soft Power over Europe introducing the plot of South Stream project.

Keywords

• Energy Security
• Soft Power
• Russia-EU relations
• West potential
• South Stream
• Nord Stream
• Public Diplomacy