UCL in the News: East vs West

But to the east, national leaders have been calling for a more assertive EU policy toward Russia, sparked by allegations that Moscow was behind recent cyber attacks in Estonia and by the ongoing ban on the import of Polish meat.

In both cases, critics say, the EU has failed to use its economic muscle and political sway to stand up for member states. And some of these fissures are likely to break open again as EU leaders gather in Brussels for their 21-22 June summit led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who holds the rotating presidency of the union. …

Eastern states cite fundamental differences in the way Brussels wants to deal with Russia, with the dividing lines often marked between "old" and "new" Europe. States like Germany, recalling Russia's decision in the winter of 2005-2006 to interrupt natural gas supplies to Ukraine, seek a careful balance in dealing with Russia. The eastern states want tougher action in what they see as bullying from the successor state to the former Soviet ruler. In the words of President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia, the "two European goals are incompatible: European integration and appeasement of a roguelike and threatening Russia." …

The differences in how to deal with Russia are also epitomized by a resolution adopted by the often-restive European Parliament on 10 May, a week before the EU-Russia summit. The parliament simultaneously criticized Russia over its democratic record and the Polish meat embargo and declared support for greater economic cooperation and for Russia's membership in the World Trade Organization. The resolution was hardly a show of solidarity for embattled Georgia, which is lobbying to block Russia's WTO membership for Russian embargos on its wine, bottled water, and other products. The Georgian government sees these acts as retaliation for Tbilisi's efforts to seek increasingly closer ties with both the EU and NATO. …

Since joining the EU in 2004, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia have been particularly strident in trying to change the European line on Russia. This is not so much a matter of lingering historical gripes as perceived Russian interference in the former satellite states. Poland's influence is significant - as the largest of the new EU states and with close ties to the United States, it has sought to wield its power. …

Despite such restiveness, the East is no more likely to get what it wants than Malta and other nations grappling for help with illegal immigration. …

An EU press statement said the EU leaders exchanged very "open, honest and frank" discussions with Putin but underscored the need "to maintain strong relations."

Katie Bates, Transitions Online

Katie Bates is a Transitions Online intern. She is studying politics and East European studies at the UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies.