EU–Russia cooperation on the common space of freedom, security and justice – a challenge or an opportunity?

Abstract

With criminal networks active in both Russia and the European Union (EU) Member States, the common space of internal security is a key component in building a partnership. Boosting personal contacts, counteracting illegal migration and the visa facilitation are steps forward; while the prospect of a visa-free regime appears unclear. Work on the road map should obviously be continued. Russia's and the EU interests do not just coincide, these are strategic interests. Still, detailed analysis of the road map demonstrates that one can still speak rather about intensification of cooperation than about a common space. To arrive at a new stage of partnership and start building a common space a certain change in approach and mentality must be achieved. It would seem logical to include the main principles of the common internal space in the framework part of the EU–Russia new treaty and supplement it with specific agreements in every field of cooperation.