Baltic states' EU membership and EU-Russia relations

¶ … Perceptions

How the membership of the Baltic States into the EU has impacted relations between the EU and Russia

Since the downfall of the Soviet Union the relationship between: the EU, Russia and the Baltic States have become increasingly complicated. Part of the reason for this, is because of the past divisions and future areas of influence / cooperation. Where, the rapid expansion of the EU eastward has made this relationship more complex based upon: historical, cultural and political factors. As a result, the relationship between the EU and Russia has become rather heated at times. As it this has raised areas of concern that could have an impact upon future relations. In this paper we will examine this relationship and the role the Baltic States are playing.

Introduction

Over the last several decades, the European Union has evolved into an entity that has become a driving force for: economic, political and military cooperation throughout Europe. While this is no doubt a great thing, the reality is that the expansion of the EU has caused a certain amounts of tension. Part of the reason for this, is because Russia is struggling to maintain its influence within the region. While trying to limit, the overall amounts of: EU expansion and influence. In the case of some of the former satellite states of the Soviet Union, this relationship has become increasingly complex, as they try to maintain close ties with the EU, while limiting the overall influence of Russia. This is because of the heated relationship that many of these nations would have with Soviet Union, as they dominated every aspect of daily life during the Cold War. As a result, many nations must engage in balancing act of the two different influences. A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than, Estonia. Where, the country has embraced EU membership. Yet, they are cautious of the EU improving ties dramatically with Russia, as the different historical issues continue to affect the Estonians. (Antonenko, 2005, pp. 211-212) This is important because, it highlights how the EU must be able maintain some kind of balance between the Baltic state members and Russia. To see how this is having an impact upon the relations between the EU / Russia requires: examining the history / background of the region, the advantages / disadvantages of such a relationship, what issues a SWOT analysis can uncover and providing recommendations on possible foreign policy / security arrangements. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to how the Baltic States have impacted relations between the EU and Russia.

Brief History & Background of EU, Russia and Baltic States

The history / background of all three entities are: one of division, followed by an attempt to reconcile the issues of the past. In the case, of the Baltic States and Russia, these wounds run deep within the populations of both countries. Where, the Baltic States are cautious of being dominated by Russia, and have became a part of the West. What happened was; the Soviet Union had controlled the Baltic States for 45 years, after the end of World War II. During the occupation, the Soviets would dominate every facet of daily life. This constant domination by Russia would make the Baltic States weary of their intentions in the future. As the two sides would seek to bury the issues of the past, yet are unable to so because of: the memories of what life was like under the control of the Soviet Union. A good example of this can be seen in border security issues between the Latvia, Lithuania and Russia. Where, negotiations broke down because both countries (Latvia and Lithuania) wanted a clause in the border provisions that they could seek more territory from Russia in the future (due to the occupation). These views of the Baltic States have made the relationship more strained, as Russia is seeing them as an extension of the EU. Given the fact that Russia has been invaded from the West militarily (on numerous occasions), means that they are beginning to become concerned about similar issues of encroachment and the loss of influence, in the former satellite states of the Soviet Union. (Buhbe, 2005, pp. 5 -- 8)

Advantages / Disadvantages perceived by EU, Russia and Baltic States respectively, on such a Relationship

The advantages that are being perceived from the EU would be: increased cooperation and better relations with Russia. As the standards and principals of the relationship, would help Russia be able to become a major economic / military partner. The disadvantages of this, is that Russia is seeing this as an attempt by the EU (indirectly through the Baltic States), to weaken the nation. As they are telling them, how and what policies need to be implemented as far as their internal affairs is concerned. From the perceptions of Russia, increased cooperation with the EU can, mean that they will have increased access to European markets, for the various natural resources they produce. Yet, there is a price that must be paid, as Russia would have greater scrutiny on issues such as human rights and nuclear proliferation. This is problematic, because Russia would like the advantage of working with the EU, but does not want to have to follow EU provisions on a host of issues. In the case of the Baltic States, they want to be able take advantages of being integrated into Europe and the West. This helps to improve their economic and political prospects, as they follow the same model utilized throughout the EU. The disadvantage of this; is that it creates friction in the EU's relationship with Russia. 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 will begin trading more aggressively with other countries (cutting them out of the loop). 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.