Lunch seminar on energy and security: the securitisation of a vital resource, University of Leuven, 3 February 2010

Traditionally, the concept of ‘energy security’ never formed a part of security studies terminology. It is only since the concept of security has been fiercely debated over the last decades, ultimately leading to a widening of the concept, that it now commonly comprises environmental, societal (identity), political and economic security issues alongside traditional concerns of military security. Energy security has gained particular prominence in light of the cuts in the supply of natural gas to the EU as a result of the ‘gas crises’ between Russia and Ukraine. This Panel Debate aims to stimulate a discussion on (i) why energy is or should also be approached from a security perspective and (ii) the specific implications thereof for the role of the EU, NATO and other international organisations as security actors.