EU-Russia: New Departures and Old Habits
Preface by the editors
The current issue of the Working Papers addresses ICEUR?s key theme, namely EU-Russian relations. Rather than selecting individual aspects of this topic, we have asked our authors to deal with the entire complex relationship, in order to demonstrate the mutual dependence of its components and the feedback loops emerging after significant events that have shaped the overall trajectory. In contrast to official declarations and statements, the development of the EU-Russian relations is non-linear. To expect or demand a rapid solution of the big issues, such as the energy charter and the transit protocol or the new security architecture, is a pipe dream. EU foreign policy is driven by national interests and, despite the new Lisbon mechanism, not yet in a position to frame and execute common strategies toward Russia or other global regions eliciting controversial standpoints.
The relations between the two sides can and should definitely be improved. Ongoing routine contacts often degenerate into rituals, but are testament to the fact that Russia and the EU do, at least, not ignore each other. Business makes full use of the still limited opportunities. Yet, it is important to note that the lack of progress is not due to Russian or European intransigence, or the lack of shared preferences or values. Priority-setting makes the difference: For Russia, sustaining and developing the economy is paramount. Soviet and market Bolshevism have left deep scars in the minds of leaders and rank-and-file citizens. Democratic and human rights strings attached would complicate the matter still further.
The EU is under constant jeopardy of being hijacked by company and narrow national interests. The renewed insistence on common values expresses the hope that the European model may be realized in the future. But the EU should refrain from bulldozing its (still utopian) model on other regions in a wholesale manner, but to realize its ideals first and only then offer it to those who are willing to emulate it. As a Russian proverb has it “Don?t take your own rules into another monastery”. The key article of this issue conveys exactly the perception of the Russian elites that a high-handed EU is talking down to them, although Russia has complied to all requirements set by Brussels or the international community.
This issue of the ICEUR Working Papers establishes a new column which is to provide a forum for young scholars from East and West. This time, senior students of political science analyze the relationship with Russia from a European perspective. We feel that their enthusiasm and their involvement presents a colorful contrast to the views of the seasoned professional analysts.
Hans-Georg HEINRICH, Ludmilla LOBOVA
ICEUR-Vienna