ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the German perceptions of energy security and its transatlantic dimension. It provides insights into Germany's energy policy, the politics behind it and the predominant elite's discourse in this field. The analysis builds upon a series of guided interviews that were conducted in spring 2012 to discern the German perspective. The list of 25 interviewees consists of representatives from the executive and legislative branches, internationally known experts and advisors from think tanks, analysts, representatives of the energy industry, nongovernmental organisations and scholars from universities. Energy security is almost solely linked to domestic developments, and German energy transition is of utmost importance, often the first and sole reference point. A strategic approach to energy security and the functioning of fossil fuel markets is rarely expressed. Ironically, despite Germany's high import dependency, the external dimension is less predominant in the discourse and energy security is clearly framed in commercial rather than strategic terms.
