The EU should take a harder line on Russia's democratic deficit

European leaders should follow the example of Germany against Russia and collectively in their governance and human rights

Europe was a busy place recently, so it is not surprising that Angela Merkel's visit to Moscow a few days ago has attracted little attention. But never mind, because, unlike most official visits, this time pointing to a real change, not only in Germany but all the EU's relations with Russia.

The bottom line is that a number of countries in Central Europe, led by Germany, have so far maintained a close relationship with Moscow. This relationship is based on two pillars: energy dependence, and the reluctance, given the size of Russia and the recent history about it too much, too soon in the areas of human rights and democratic governance

• The two pillars are erosion. Merkel unprecedented visit was preceded by a serious dispute of Russian-German relations human rights. The Bundestag (encouraged by the office of Angela Merkel) adopted a resolution criticizing Russian democracy back. The Kremlin has responded with a furious attack Merkel point man in Russia, Andreas Schockenhoff. The tour itself was closed with a press conference where awkward amidst warm words on normal trade and future cooperation agreements, Putin abruptly Merkel embarrassed by implying that he was soft on antisemitism alleged member imprisoned Pussy Riot "" pop band. The word after the visit to Berlin is that while economic cooperation is important that Russia can expect much less latitude on human rights in the future.
• The ratio of the energy is changing. Europe depends on Russia for 25% of its gas. It was an unpleasant surprise for some European governments when, in 2005 and 2009, an interruption of Russian supplies caused Europeans to cool homes. This is the work of European Ministers to avoid these losses, and conducted their relations with Russia accordingly. But the so-called shale gas revolution - opening vast new reserves in the world by conventional extraction - could put an end to Russian domination of the European market in the next few years. The United States has, in ten years, from a deficit of high-power gas surplus. Prices of Russian exports to Germany were forced down, and seems even lower. The European Commission, the Russian officer anger, suddenly found the courage to implement what seems sure to be a bitter and intense action antitrust against the Russian monopoly on gas exports, Gazprom. It will be seen by the Russian elite, with its intimate interest in issues of gas, as an obstacle to the jugular. However, it is clear that the balance of forces on the European energy market is changing.

hope to someone in Brussels, London or Berlin joining the points. EU policy towards Russia has so far been very ineffective. The union is divided between, on the one hand, those who, like Poland and Estonia mainly on Russia as a threat is not rebuilt, and on the other hand, those who, like Germany and Italy, which should be considered important and supplier of higher energy and business partner. When I was ambassador to Moscow, the inability of the EU to gather in scandals like the murder of Litvinenko and the cyber attacks against Estonia was extreme. And the Russians, of course, given the disunity and exploited to the maximum.

This is changing. As shown in Merkel's visit, there is a deep disappointment in the EU on the political course of Russia. Russia Acolytes key advice from the EU - MM Schroeder and Berlusconi - have disappeared. The noose of dependence on Russian gas is released. It is time for the EU to find a common approach to Russia effectively. This two-pronged. Firstly, maintaining relations with Russia through the expansion of trade and other contacts. Reform will only come with economic growth. But on the other hand, much more clearly with Russia on issues of governance and human rights. Not the least of the virtues of the EU met in this way would be the impact on Russia itself. The Russians consider themselves Europeans. The best of them want their country to meet the highest European standards. A united Europe strongly support these standards would be a huge hit in the arm for those who take real risks to move Russia in the European concert.

Find best price for : --Angela--