Is Russia a “good CBSS citizen”?
Is Russia a “good CBSS citizen”?

Summary/Abstract: This study examines Russia’s policies towards and within the Council of the Baltic Sea States in the aftermath of the Ukrainian and other international crises. More specifically, this paper analyses Russia’s interest in and expectations from the CBSS, as well as Moscow’s institutional behaviour in the Council. The CBSS is viewed by Russia as both a centrepiece and cornerstone of the regional governance system. Moscow also sees the CBSS as an important tool for overcoming the politico-diplomatic isolation where Russia found itself with the start of the Ukrainian crisis. With the help of the CBSS, it retains its ability to influence socioeconomic, political, environmental, and humanitarian developments in the Baltic Sea region. Russia supported the Council’s three long-term priority areas: a regional identity, a sustainable and prosperous region, and a safe and secure region. Russia favoured further the Council’s institutionalization and strengthening of its role in the regional governance system. Despite the fact that Russia’s relations with other CBSS member-states remain tense and that Moscow does not always manage to use the Council to promote its interests in the region, the CBSS is still seen by Russia as an important platform for regional cooperation.

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