Russia and the European Union: The Present Rift and Chances for Future Reconciliation
RUSSIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION: THE PRESENT RIFT AND CHANCES FOR FUTURE RECONCILIATION

Summary/Abstract: The Ukrainian and Syrian crises have exerted a considerable negative impacton the relations between Russia and the EU, resulting as they did in upsettingstrategic stability in Europe. A radical split has occurred in practically everysphere, affecting political, economic, military and humanitarian affairs. Its mostpainful manifestation is evident in the sphere of economy, where both parties haveimposed sanctions and restrictive measures on each other, while it appears leastharmful in the humanitarian sector. All in all, the former relations of partnershipand cooperation have been superseded by dislike and even animosity. It will bevery difficult to reach a compromise needed to overcome the split. The rulingcircles of both Russia and the EU have limited room for manoeuvre for reasonsthat are not only international but domestic as well. They are very suspicious ofeach other. Nevertheless, the present confrontation is anomalous in the generalpattern of centuries-old relations of Russia with European states and is likely to beovercome in the mid-term perspective. Yet a new foundation is required in orderto restore their partnership and cooperation.

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