Poland's Energy Sector and Russia's Position: Part 1

Poland depends on Russia for energy resources, particularly oil and natural gas, which gives Moscow political leverage over Warsaw. However, significant natural gas development could help Poland reduce its dependence on Russia, meet EU environmental standards and boost its regional power as a possible natural gas exporter. Polish energy diversification projects — liquefied natural gas import terminal construction and shale natural gas development — embody this strategy, which could change the Russian-Polish relationship in the coming years.