Where, Russia feels that the Baltic States are having an input on what kind of policy will be used, and how it is applied to the country. This is problematic, because it gives Russia a sense as if they are losing influence.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
The different strengths of this relationship are: it allows the EU to be able to use their economic, political and military power collectively. For the Russia, their biggest strength is the natural resources they produce and the fact that they are in between Asia / Europe. As far as the Baltic States is concerned, their strength would be the ability to embrace the ideas of the West and to become productive members of the EU.
The various weaknesses for the EU are: pushing Russia to embrace changes to fast and not being flexible, in how their policies are applied. In the case of Russia, their biggest weakness is backsliding off of the gains made in human rights and democracy after the downfall of the Soviet Union. The biggest weakness for the Baltic States, are that they are caught between the past and the future. As they want to embrace the West, yet struggle to overcome the years of occupation.
The opportunities for the EU are: the chance to improve cooperation and establish a positive relationship with Russia moving forward. For Russia, this would mean that they could be able to gain acceptance in organizations such as the WTO, helping to improve their economic and political status. In the case of the Baltic States, this is an opportunity to influence the debate, by having their views of what happened being taken into account. This will help to provide for a more balanced EU policy towards Russia.
The threats that the EU faces: is that Russia will begin to become more isolated and withdrawn, which could increase the possibility for conflicts / misunderstandings. In the case of the Russia, the inability to work with the EU could mean that they...
The biggest threat for the Baltic States; is that Russia could want to gain more influence in their affairs and may threaten them with military or economic actions.
Conclusion and Policy Recommendations on Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) on such a relationship
Clearly, the relationship between the EU and Russia has been continuing to evolve. As the Baltic States have been having an impact upon what issues are discussed. This has led to issues of contention, as Russia is seeing a loss of influence and feels that the EU is meddling in their internal affairs. As a result, the various arrangements that the EU has made in the area, of Common Foreign and Security Policy / Common Security and Defense Policy, must be adapted to reflect these views. Where, the EU and Baltic States must take steps to show that their intentions are to work with Russia as a partner, not an adversary. This would mean, not forcing Russia to address issues such as human rights. At the same time, Russia must make attempts to show that they are not going down the same road. As they need to consistently demonstrate to the EU and the Baltic States, the commitment they have for cooperation.
Bibliography
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