Abstract: In recent years the situation in the energy market has been changing rapidly due to the influence of various factors. The author examines the state of relations in the energy field between the European Union as a consumer of gas and Russia as its supplier and tries to answer the question: "How do such projects as the Southern Gas Corridor, TurkStream-1 and 2, North Stream-2, as well as the shale gas development and Ukrainian transit of natural gas affect the relations between Russia and the European Union in this sector?" The author applied the following main methods in his study: a method of analysis and legal interpretation of text. On the basis of official documents, expert opinions and interviews, the author finds that it is the energy sector that has united the EU member States even more in relation to other actors of the international arena, at the same time reducing the sovereignty of individual States in decision-making in the energy sector. The author suggests that the new energy strategy of the EU has influenced the change in Russia's attitude to the European energy market.
It is obvious that Russia has managed to react to changes in market rules in a timely manner and to keep its place in the European market. Although both actors express their preference for maintaining "the traditional relations", the Russian energy strategy is noted for a gradual reduction in the share of exports to the EU due to the prospects for the Eastern direction development. The European Union, on its part, tries to gradually reduce its dependence on Russian gas. Russia, in turn, recognizes the importance of the role of shale gas and plans to compete with traditional LNG producers in the European market in the future.