Energy Negotiations Between Moscow and Brussels

The European Union's efforts to diminish Russian dominance in its energy markets face growing constraints as the two parties begin negotiations Dec. 21 over the legal status of Russian pipelines in Europe. Moscow has positioned itself well to remain Europe's lone large-scale supplier for piped natural gas in the coming decades. Meanwhile, the European Union is struggling to move forward its plans to construct a pipeline for Azerbaijani natural gas. 

Still, Brussels retains significant leverage against Moscow thanks to the development of liquefied natural gas import capacity on the Continent and the integration of Europe's natural gas markets. An immediate policy shift is not expected during the upcoming summit.