This Master's thesis analyses perceptions of energy security in the context of global geopolitical challenges. It is based on the understanding that the concept of energy security is not static, but is constructed by external factors and interpreted differently by individual actors. Research is conducted through the lens of social constructivism. It is based on the case study of the European Union and its members states in the circumstances of the energy crisis triggered by the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, which has deeply affected the energy market in the European Union. The Master's thesis reveals that actors operating within the same institutional framework perceive energy related challenges that affect their energy security in the same ways. Consequently, they securitise energy and place energy supply among their highest energy strategy priorities. Furthermore, the formation of suitable solutions to ensure energy security and provide a stable energy supply largely depends on national energy conditions of each state. These factors define the core of energy strategy and policy of each state, which are further developed and reinforced through common institutional commitments, in order to ensure energy security of supply at the community level. In the context of geopolitical uncertainties, actors perceive energy security primarily as a reliable energy supply, a high level of self-sufficiency and a well-functioning energy infrastructure. Key guarantees of energy security, as perceived by actors, include diversification of energy sources, low import dependency and strengthening of mechanisms to mitigate future energy crises.
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