Poland on the global LNG market: foreign and energy policy impact assessment

Abstrakt

This article throws a spotlight on the key developments of the global LNG market, explores the role and main features of the European market for LNG, and then – based on this context – offers a set of arguments that help with conceptualizing the importance of LNG imports for Poland’s foreign and energy policies. The analysis shows that the “LNG impact” can be traced to three distinct yet interconnected dimensions – national, regional and global. The article argues that if handled with adequate understanding of the tendencies affecting this sector, Poland’s status as a player on the LNG market can be turned into an asset and boost its international standing vis-a-vis other LNG importing states and exporters alike. Over time, “LNG diplomacy” could become one of the defining features of its international engagement.