ABSTRACT
This chapter commences by establishing the Czech Republic's energy mix and how dependent it is on external suppliers and supply lines. It explains the paradox of relative energy security vis-à-vis Russia and, sycophancy towards Russia. This is found not primarily in energy-economic terms, but through three considerations: the structure of the Czech energy sector, including privatisation and the opportunities for corruption, and the highly fragmented nature of the Czech political system. Russian–Czech energy relations do not lend themselves to tidy periodisation. Vaclav Klaus opposed as uneconomical the deal that made Norway the alternative supplier of gas to the Czech Republic, and which is credited with preventing the country from being heavily impacted by the 2009 gas crisis. Where privatisation has occurred –particularly regarding gas supply –it has generally resulted in foreign-ownership and that ownership has been subject to investigation.
