Russia, the EU, and the eastern partnership

Viac o knihe

Even before the Ukrainian crisis, Russia and the EU were dissatisfied with their relationship. Despite economic ties and cultural claims of belonging to the same ‘European family,’ significant disagreements persisted. The conflictual dynamic between the EU and Russia revolves around three key dimensions: normative issues, energy relations, and the shared neighborhood, particularly highlighted by the Eastern Partnership (EaP) initiated in 2009. The former Soviet space is central to Russian foreign policy, driven by economic interests, diaspora concerns, and perceived security needs. Russia's fear of encirclement fuels its desire for hegemony over these republics, viewing any external engagement in the region with suspicion. Vasile Rotaru analyzes the impact of the EaP on EU-Russia relations, arguing that it marked a turning point, prompting Moscow to reassess its stance towards the EU. While the EaP was a Brussels initiative, it resonated with the aspirations of six former Soviet republics. Ironically, Russia's aggressive policies aimed at maintaining influence often pushed these nations to seek support from the EU, driven not only by Brussels’ appeal but also by their own existential fears. This work is relevant for students, researchers, and policymakers focused on Russia, the EU, and the former Soviet space in International Relations, Foreign Policy Analysis, and Security Studies.