Theoretical and conceptual foundations of European energy security

In recent years, the energy security of the European Union has become one of the most significant issues in European public policy and legal regulation.Its importance has been profoundly shaped by geopolitical disruptions, risks to energy supply, and Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.This publication aims to examine the theoretical and conceptual foundations of European energy security by identifying the principal elements of energy security, the risks arising from energy dependence, and the significance of diversification, while also assessing the role of energy security in the evolution of European Union policy.The study employs general scientific analytical, comparative, and systemic research methods.The analysis is based on recent academic literature, European Union legislation, and official documents issued by the European Commission, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), and other international organisations.The findings indicate that contemporary energy security is a multidimensional concept encompassing not only secure and uninterrupted energy supply but also the resilience of energy systems, the protection of critical energy infrastructure, economic security, sustainable development, and the capacity to adapt to geopolitical challenges.The analysis demonstrates that the diversification of energy suppliers and transport routes, the expansion of renewable energy sources, improvements in energy efficiency, and the key instruments of the European Union's common energy policy-including the Energy Union, the European Green Deal, and REPowerEU-constitute the foundation for strengthening European energy security.The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for analysing the legal framework governing European Union energy security and its future development in the context of armed conflict and other emergency situations.