The Ukraine and Syrian crises, different views concerning the future of the post-Soviet space and allegations of electoral interference have had a profound impact on EU-Russia relations. At the same time, for the EU Russia has remained an important interlocutor in the resolution of international crises, from Iran to North Korea, and a key energy provider. From an EU perspective, this situation is compounded by a growing number of challenges – the refugee crisis, Brexit, terrorism, instability in North Africa and the weakening of the transatlantic partnership – which also influence relations with Moscow. The seminar examines how the evolving international scenario affects relations between the EU, its member states and Russia. How have EU-level and national debates on Russia developed? What are the prospects for a common European policy towards Moscow? Is the EU-Russia relationship set on a long-term confrontational path, or is there room for cooperation and a rapprochement?
The seminar marks the publication of the FIIA report “EU member states and Russia: National and European debates in an evolving international environment”
