SERHAN ÜNAL

Developments over the last few months, particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Ankara, have paved Turkey’s path to becoming a regional energy center. Indeed, this is more like the utilization of the idle capacity that Turkey has. In this sense, the country seems to be starting the year by translating its full potential into actual energy influence, playing the energy game better. If it maintains its current ambitious strategy to develop the necessary physical, ideational and institutional capacity, 2015 could be the key year.

Russia's de facto annexation of Crimea has proven that interdependence between importers and exporters of energy is weaker than thought; in fact, importers are more dependent on suppliers. The debate on energy security can be approached from two main perspectives: supply and demand security. By combining these two perspectives, it is common to argue that there is interdependence between Russia and the European Union, and between Russia and Turkey.