RUSSO-UKRAINIAN CONFLICT AND EU ENERGY SECURITY: CONTENT ANALYSIS OF CROATIAN ONLINE MEDIA
Abstract
Research Paper
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37458/ssj.5.3.7
The Russo-Ukrainian conflict has prompted a reform of the European Union’s energy policy, which had largely relied on the energy capacities of the Russian Federation. In this context, such heavy dependence has been identified as a security risk for the European Union, necessitating a shift toward alternative solutions. The aim of this research is to show how the consequences of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict have been a primary driver behind changes in the European Union’s energy policy. Using an analytical-interpretative approach, this study seeks to clarify the connection between the ongoing conflict and the energy security of the European Union. In this regard, the study will focus on examining how the current conflict influences media perspectives on EU energy security. Preliminary research reveals a significant amount of media content analysing the conflict through the lens of diversification efforts aimed at achieving a stable and sustainable long-term energy supply. This structured qualitative analysis of media articles highlights how the Russo-Ukrainian conflict has exposed vulnerabilities in EU energy security, primarily due to its dependence on Russian energy imports. Croatian media coverage reflects both the resulting geopolitical shifts and the EU's pressing need to adapt its policies.
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