Eu-Russia relations : implications of 1st May 2004 enlargement

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to study the implications of the enlargement of the European Union on its relationship with the Russian Federation. Enlargement, which occurred on 1st May 2004 introduced into the EU ten new member states, eight of whom are Central and Eastern European states. This movement made by the EU eastwards forced the two parties to increment their reciprocal interest, and hence further develop their relationship. The enlargement process has a double effect on Russia. First of all, the notion of 'Europe' as represented by the EU will be shifted much closer to Russia. Simultaneously, probabilities of Russian membership into Europe's most exclusive club will diminish. Hence when considering the undeniable political weight that the Federation exerts. on the new EU borders, it becomes fundamental for Brussels to build up an active security partnership with Moscow. This new shared border zone can tum out to be an opportunity for future cooperation. Throughout this dissertation an analytical and descriptive approach is taken on what trend the future EU-Russia relations will follow. The first year after enlargement has already created some new openings for upcoming collaboration. Russia and the EU are aligning their interests especially as regards the new security issues on their borders. This will help to expand and strengthen their strategic partnership, while at the same time it provides the states in the common neighbourhood with a general framework for combating the new security threats.