Russia and the EU: The Clash of New Neighbourhoods?

Abstract

The enlargement of the EU eastwards and the development of the European Neighbourhood Policy has meant the EU developing explicit interests in the former Soviet states. In this there is the potential for tension with Russia in a shared neighbourhood. In particular, with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU in 2007 the EU has become a Black Sea power and launched its ‘Black Sea Synergy’. This article examines the extent of EU and Russian engagement in the area of the Black Sea and explores the ways in which the EU may engage Russia in this latest shared neighbourhood. In particular, the article examines how far the regional dimension of the Northern Dimension in the Baltic area may be appropriate here. The article goes on to examine the ways in which the overall context of EU–Russia relations effects cooperation in this area. It concludes that while the tenor of the relationship may have changed in the light of greater Russian assertiveness, the basis for close cooperation remains one of pragmatism and mutual economic self-interest.