The Common European Economic Space Between Russia and the EU: an Institutional Anchor for Accelerating Russian Reform

Abstract

The prospect of bringing the European Union and Russia closer together within a Common European Economic Space (CEES) tops the agenda in the EU–Russia dialogue, confirming that the EU views Russia as a strategic partner. This article argues that the CEES is not only positive for Russian economic growth, but that it is a condition for acceleration of sustainable growth and higher productivity in Russia. The aim of the EU in building the CEES is not to force Russia into a particular mould, but to offer a model for economic and legal integration, which can help to boost Russian economic performance. Both the EU and Russia have achieved internal unities, bringing together huge diversities of nations, cultures, and religions. The time has now come to close the gap opened between Russia and the rest of Europe at the beginning of the last century. Integration within the CEES opens the way to this objective.