This week our primary focus was on coordinating with the project client and mapping our next steps for the project.

Notes from our Monday meeting are as follows:

Project Outline:

1. Map differences and similarities over time between regions (and within states if applicable.)
   1. Look for patterns (reasons to be for or against) and then group countries accordingly
   2. May also consider companies and NGOs as relevant, but don’t focus on them
   3. Find context for these differences – what are the factors that are important for actors involved?
      1. For example: Internal within EU, EU Commission, EU Parliamentary elections, external contexts (US, Russia), Ukrainian interests (including upcoming elections)
2. What is the way forward? Policy recommendations on an EU level.
   1. Done through brainstorming
   2. Map effects and possible effects
   3. Imagine scenarios about what could happen (max 3 – 4)

Given this feedback, at our class meeting this week we divided the relevant countries into the following groupings:

1. Those countries that are for the pipeline (including Russia)
2. Two groupings of those against (including Ukraine)
3. The US and UK perspectives
   
4. Countries with neutral or conflicting perspectives
5. EU institutions and international organizations

This week, we will be researching the following questions from the perspective of our respective area of responsibility:

• Gas market strategies/energy policies including diversification strategies
• Reasons for being for/against
• Relevant actors (if they play a key role)
• Initial general notes about how these factors may impact future outlook (as relevant)

We may meet next Wednesday to discuss findings, if needed.