The German factor in relations between Russia and the European Union (2001-2007)
The contribution of Germany to deterioration of the relations between Russia and the European Union in 2001-2007 is analysed in the article. These relations entered a strip of “cold misunderstanding”, assisted by the occurrence of the several centres of tension, during the specified period. In connection with the future entrance of Lithuania and Poland to the EU, Kaliningrad Region in fact turned into an enclave. Kaliningrad issue did have humanitarian, economic and political aspects, moreover, the stand taken by key forces of Germany contributed to the aggravation of the situation. The CDU fraction in the Bundestag tried, using methodology of constructing the effective model of “Lithuanian-Russian-Polish European region”, to raise the question of the economic future of “Bundesland Königsberg”. Expansion of the EU in 2004, “Gas wars”, disputes between the European Union and the Russian Federation concerning ratification of the Energy Charter Treaty by official Moscow passed at the direct and active participation of the representatives of Germany. The mechanism of building a new course of Germany in the framework of the EU in relation to Russia was complex and based on Berlin’s understanding of the international situation as well as on the flexibility of its foreign policy. Deeds of the German authorities remained within the conflict model due to the interests and strategic policy of the EU concerning the extension of controlled areas at the expense of Russia. This approach was due to the offensive strategy involving the displacement of the Russian presence from the European regions. Although the German leaders made several positive initiatives first of all on the continuation of energy co-operation with Russia, they could not but lowered the overall orientation to the positive relationship between the EU and Russia.