Russia as a potential member state of the European Union

Abstract

Historically Russian and European countries had close cooperation and relations in different spheres. Nowadays, the richest economies of Europe are members of the European Union. Therefore, there was many arguments if Russia is a potentially a member of the European Union. The Russian-EU relations currently can be described as a partnership. However, with the constantly enlarging European Union and its growing role in the world, there is a need to look at Russia in a context as a potential member. In particular this objective can be achieved by addressing to its current relations with the EU, looking if the current situation might match the accession criteria. And finally, making suggestion what important effects would this membership result in. The methodology used in this paper is mostly articles written by politicians and experts. In addition, the information was provided by internet resources, such as official sites of international organisations. The opinions were taking from both points of view Russian as well as European. Finally, looking at all the benefits and drawbacks, the interests and strategies of the both sides, this paper concludes that Russia is not a potential member at a present time. And there is a need to transformation of Russian political, economical and social systems in order to speak about its membership. Moreover, it has to be to decide what the future strategies for both partners are in order to achieve closer integration, rather than trying to apply Russia as a potential member of the EU.