Environmental Sustainability and Energy Sustainability in Europe After the Ukraine Crisis

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant threat to the energy supply security of countries. The subsequent crisis between Ukraine and Russia exacerbated these challenges, making energy supply more difficult. Following the Ukraine-Russia crisis, there was a significant decrease in the import of natural gas and solid fossil fuels from Russia to European countries. In response, some European countries, notably Germany and France, reverted to using coal and nuclear power plants. Meanwhile, investments in renewable energy, which are part of long-term plans, have accelerated. This study discusses the importance of Russian energy for European countries, the energy policies of European countries following the Ukraine-Russia crisis, and the significance of Turkey for European energy. The findings indicate that Russia holds strategic importance for European countries in terms of energy. Consequently, it is crucial for European countries to increase their energy trade with alternative suppliers. In the long term, they should adopt and expand renewable energy policies.