Motivated by the strategic planning of countries for the formation of the energy agenda for 2030, this book aims to map the network of interdependence between Europe and Russia, as well as to further explore the latter's expansionist policy in Eastern Europe through collaboration patterns.

The goal of the research is to draft potential future scenarios for the development of the Russian energy sector. Additionally, by applying the theories of the rimland by Spykman and Mackinder, it will forecast the next moves of Russian foreign policy regarding energy.

The main question arising from the existing international literature is: What is the objective of Russian energy expansion moves in Europe? What are the cooperation patterns of Russia concerning energy agreements? What will be Russia's next move based on long-term economic forecasts?

To answer the above questions, the following working hypotheses will assist. Firstly, a working hypothesis is the energy expansion of Russia in Southeast Europe, as well as the objective of this strategy. Also, a working hypothesis deals with the conflict between the USA and Russia over the resources located in the Arctic Circle, and how satellite states (e.g., Norway) act on this issue. Finally, a working hypothesis concerns the Eastern Mediterranean regarding the energy confrontation between Russia and Europe.

In general, regarding energy, Russia is attempting to maintain its primacy in natural gas and to keep its position concerning oil, in order to offset the energy independence achieved by the USA through shale oil production. As can be understood, the energy independence of the USA is set to change the global power map.