For more than a decade, Europe has tried to counter Russia's attempts to spread its influence across the Continent through an intricate network of pipelines. To that end, Europe's primary aim has been to create its own integrated energy market and an expansive pipeline network that offers several different routes for natural gas supplies heading to European consumers. Russia's TurkStream project, formerly known as Turkish Stream, would in many ways promote Europe's energy security goals. However, it would also give Russia greater sway over Ukraine — something neither Europe nor the United States is willing to accept. Loosening Russia's Grip The European Union has long sought to model its energy market after that of the United States. Its goal is to create a unified market with consistent laws and sufficient transit capacity to prevent large pricing differences across the bloc.