Villain or victim? Framing strategies and legitimation practices in the Russian perspective on the European Union’s Third Energy Package

Abstract

This article investigates the Russian reaction to the Third Energy Package (TEP) of the European Union (EU). This legislation aimed at integrating the EU’s internal gas market but also became a game-changer for EU–Russia energy relations. The framing strategies through which the Russian regime has made sense of TEP are explored and the entanglement of these strategies with the Kremlin’s claim to great power status – one of the key pillars of its legitimation strategy – are scrutinized. Altogether, three frames are identified. They differ from each other in their depictions of the EU and of the legislation itself. The EU is perceived as a misguided partner, deceptive counterpart, or geopolitical rival, while TEP is viewed as an ill-informed policy, a unilateral decision which disregards Russia’s legitimate interests, or a direct attack on Gazprom and, consequently, on Russia. At least one frame also bears a strong legitimation message as it connects with Russia’s mythology and collective memory. It resonates with Russia’s deeply-rooted desire to be recognized as a great power and posits TEP as an act of rejection through which Russia is denied this status.