The article addresses the issue of forming the external energy policy of the European Union. The eastward enlargement of the EU had a negative impact on the energy security of the Union as well as on the relations of the EU and Russia as the key energy supplier. The 2006 Ukrainian energy crisis clearly demonstrated the increased EU dependence on Russia and intensified the development of the common external energy policy in the EU. However, significant differences in the interests in the energy sector between the CEE new member states and the «old» members of the European Union, in particular regarding the role of the Russian Federation in the energy security of the Union, have complicated the process of forming the common external energy policy of the EU and demonstrated lack of unity within the Union.
European Union, CEE countries, external energy policy of the EU, energy security of the EU, EU – Russia energy dialogue.