Cyprus as an emerging player in the Eastern Mediterranean natural gas market: regional cooperation and prospects
Author
Poteau, Sophie
Advisor
Grigoriadis, Ioannis N.
Date
2018-09Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
en_US
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
This thesis analyzes the development of the Eastern Mediterranean natural gas market
and the impact of regional conflicts on it. It will argue that the region is not stable
enough to optimize its natural gas trade. As a matter of fact, the Cypriot conflict, as
well as the Israeli-Lebanese conflict are preventing the region from fulfilling its
economic potential and ambitions. Therefore, it is important for the region to solve its
internal conflicts in order to make the natural gas benefit fairly to all the states involved
in the market. The best way for the Eastern Mediterranean states to solve their conflicts
is through regional cooperation. The European Union holds the power to influence the
Eastern Mediterranean states towards regional cooperation. Indeed, the EU can
provide incentives through the initiation of dialogue between countries, common
projects and investments. In the Eastern Mediterranean natural gas trade from the
producing states to Europe, Egypt could play the pivotal role of natural gas distribution
platform at the crossroad between producing and consuming countries. The success of
this project could lead to the economic development of Eastern Mediterranean states
while providing the EU with a stronger energy security.