Part 8/10:
Politically, the energy crisis could threaten the very essence of European collaboration. The EU’s commitment to a unified energy market allows for price harmonization across member states, but this system becomes fragile when supplies are scarce. Accusations of hoarding, like those aimed at Germany by Czechia, could strain relationships.
If the situation worsens, countries may refuse to share energy supplies, leading to further divisions within the EU. Slovakia's prime minister has even threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine in retaliation for failing to renew the gas transit deal with Russia.