ABSTRACT
Natural gas is currently the subject of considerable attention: in the present context of the recognition of environmental problems on a world scale, it is known that this fuel releases less CO2 than any other existing or foreseeable fuels available on a large scale. In addition, the recent discovery of large new deposits in the East makes it more certain that natural gas can make a secure contribution to Europe’s energy resources over the long term, provided, of course, that the choice of energy supply remains an open one. This new information reaches us at a crucial moment in political-economic terms, since the process of the opening of contact between the East and the West must find very specific items for trade if it is to be credible.
