EU ENERGY SECURITY ENSURING STRATEGIES IN THE CONTEXT OF COOPERATION WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

In the modern world, energy security is one of the maine problems facing countries and regions of the world. The European Union is no exception, as almost 50% of its energy needs are met by imports. Accordingly, ensuring a stable supply of energy resources and a balanced energy balance is an extremely important component of EU energy security. This article examines and analyzes the joint programs of the EU and African states that can be used to ensure the energy security of the EU. The relevance of the study is determined by the Russian-Ukrainian war, which led to the energy crisis in the EU, as well as climate change and the lack of resources, which are becoming more and more relevant and endanger the economic and social development of the countries of the world. In this regard, ensuring stable and efficient energy development is an extremely important task for all states. In addition, a balanced energy mix and ensuring a stable supply of energy resources are necessary conditions for the development of industry, ensuring the standard of living of the population and reducing the dependence of states on energy imports. In this context, cooperation between the EU and African countries can be beneficial for both sides, in particular, for the development of renewable energy sources and the use of natural resources. In the process of writing the work, a number of sources were used, the subject of which are the general aspects and issues of energy security, reference information with general characteristics of the energy sector in the countries of North Africa and the EU, and many sources highlight the issue of energy dependence of the EU countries and the corresponding consequences of this dependence. Consequently, the above-mentioned factors have increased the interest of the governments of the EU countries and energy industry workers in studying alternative energy suppliers and production of renewable energy sources. Reducing the EU's dependence on Russian supplies of fossil fuels will not only directly affect energy well-being within countries, but also strengthen political and economic independence and neutralize derivative threats to national security.