Document Type : ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Author
Department of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Law, Political Sciences and International Relations, European University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Turkey's strategic position as an energy hub between Eastern and Western markets, combined with the Balkan countries' growing need for energy source diversification, necessitated a comprehensive analysis of their energy cooperation. This study aimed to evaluate the geopolitical dynamics of energy partnerships between Turkey and the Balkan region, focusing on infrastructure development and investment patterns from 2013 to 2022. The research objectives were to: 1-analyze the implementation of major cross-border energy projects; 2-assess Turkish investment activity in the Balkan renewable energy sector; 3-evaluate the influence of geopolitical factors on energy cooperation; and 4-identify key challenges and opportunities for future energy partnerships.
METHODS: The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining historical review, geopolitical mapping, and quantitative analysis of energy trade data. Statistical data from international organizations, including the International Energy Agency, World Bank, and Turkish Statistical Institute, were analyzed. A SWOT-analysis was conducted to assess strategic cooperation dimensions.
FINDINGS: Turkish investments in the Balkan region during 2013-2022 totalled USD 20 billion, with the energy sector accounting for 35% of foreign direct investment. Major energy infrastructure projects included the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (1,850 km, capacity 16 bcm/year, USD 11.5 billion investment) and Turkish Stream (1,100 km, 31.5 bcm/year, USD 7.4 billion investment). Turkish corporations invested €5 billion in renewable energy between 2019-2023, with the largest single investment being a 242 MW wind farm in Montenegro (€280 million). The analysis revealed that Bosnia and Herzegovina received the largest share of total Turkish investments (USD 5.5 billion), followed by Serbia (USD 4.5 billion) and North Macedonia (USD 3 billion).
CONCLUSION: The research established foundational theoretical and practical contributions to understanding regional energy cooperation dynamics. The theoretical framework developed through this study advances scholarly comprehension of how geopolitical, economic, and environmental factors interact in shaping energy partnerships. The findings demonstrate that Turkey-Balkans energy cooperation significantly influences regional energy security and economic integration through substantial infrastructure development and renewable energy investments. The research identified critical success factors for future energy partnerships, including geopolitical stability, capital accessibility, and environmental sustainability. These conclusions provide policy implications for regional energy security enhancement and practical guidelines for cross-border energy project implementation. Furthermore, the study established a methodological foundation for analyzing complex regional energy partnerships, contributing to both theoretical discourse and practical applications in international energy cooperation. The findings suggest that successful energy partnerships require integrated approaches to balance traditional energy security concerns with emerging environmental imperatives while maintaining regional stability.
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