A Proposed Pipeline Lends Turkmenistan Greater Importance

The crisis in Ukraine has heightened Europe's interest in diversifying energy supplies away from Russia, and the long discussed Trans-Caspian pipeline project is receiving greater attention. If constructed, the pipeline could serve as a significant alternative to Russian supplies via the strategic Southern Corridor route. However, Russia has fiercely resisted the project for this very reason, and Moscow will continue to do everything in its power to undermine the Trans-Caspian project. Although the Trans-Caspian could offer significant economic opportunities for Turkmenistan, Ashgabat will have to weigh these against the numerous political, economic and security constraints the project could face. Therefore, the Trans-Caspian project is not likely to launch anytime soon.