Export Controls and East-West Energy Trade in the 199Os

Abstract

This article examines the changing political climate in Eastern Europe as the basis for changes in the conditions of East-West trade. The authors argue that gas trade is set to rise in general, because the security of supply issue recedes into the background while gas from the USSR becomes a very goodchoice in counter-trade or joint ventures. The environmental factor will play an increasing role in favour of gas use, and the energy policy of the European Community will become more important in both Eastern and Western Europe.