The Russian strategy of gas export: Europe against Asia?

Can we say that today's gas strategy of Russia is the continuation of the one implemented by the former USSR? Three factors have to be taken into consideration: the liberalization of the European gas market is a major stake with lot of constraints but also lot of opportunities. This deregulation may lead to sensible evolutions of the organization of Russia's gas industry since the question of gas supply costs has to face the competition that should develop in the European market. Also, the possible integration of some Central and Eastern Europe countries to the European Union, which are important transit ways for the Russian gas exports towards Western Europe, but which are also markets where Gazprom has been the quasi-exclusive gas supplier so far. Finally, Europe is no longer the only goal of Russian gas exports: Gazprom clearly shows its will of defining a global export strategy. With about 40% of the world gas reserves, Russia definitely has a master card to play on the international energy markets. (J.S.)