The European Union and Russia: Perception and Interest in the Shaping of Relations

Format is approximately 6.75 inches by 9.5 inches. [4], 93, [1] pages. Footnotes. Illustrations (tables and figures, some in color). Maps (with color). Cover has slight wear and soiling. This is Clingendael European Papers No. 4. Prof. Dr. André Gerrits is Professor of International Studies and Global Politics, and Chair of the MA International Relations (European Union Studies / International Studies) and the BA International Studies, based in The Hague. Previously, he held the chair in Russian History and Politics at Leiden University and the Jean Monnet Chair in European Studies at the University of Amsterdam. Dr. Gerrits was also a Senior Research Fellow at the Netherlands Institute of International Studies Clingendael. He has published multiple articles, edited several collections, and wrote various books on these and related topics. He conducted several research projects financed and/or commissioned by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the European Commission. Jacques de Jong Senior researcher at the Clingendael International Energy Programme (CIEP), The Hague. Marcel de Haas was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Netherlands Army. Mr. Bader was a doctoral candidate at the University of Amsterdam. Few countries confront the European Union with its own divisiveness and limitations as much as the Russian Federation does. Shared interests do not easily translate into harmonious relations. Russia and the European Union may depend on each other, but it proves extremely difficult to agree on the policies that serve these interests. Their asymmetric dependence generates uneasiness and discomfort rather than trust and security. This publication discusses the patterns of agreement and conflict, of continuities as well as the sudden twists that seem so characteristic of relations between 'Europe' and Russia. It focuses on the three issues that continue to be most prominent in these relations: security; energy; and human rights. It argues that, based on recent experience, 'more' may not necessarily be 'better' in the European Union's approach towards Russia. We argue for a Russia strategy that may seem less ambitious and comprehensive, but that may ultimately be more productive.…