Introduction

Based on an extensive analysis into the ownership structure (based on shareholder structure data) of planned natural gas exploration projects in the MENA and Caspian Sea region until 2025 , this article takes a critical look at the extent to which European and American companies succeed in acquiring alternative natural gas supplies for the EU market. Or, put differently, whether competition over natural gas supplies in the EU neighborhood is driving countries in the MENA and Caspian Sea region into the arms of Russia and China instead. The article consists broadly speaking of two parts. ...