Russia and its Near Neighborhood: Competition and Conflict within the EU. Natolin Research Paper 04/May 2011
Journal: Archive of European Integration (AEI) (University of Pittsburgh)
Year: 2011

Russia in 2004 politely rejected the offer to become a participant in the European Neighbourhood Policy, preferring instead to pursue bilateral relations with the EU under the heading of ‘strategic partnership’. Five years later, its officials first reacted with concern to the ENP’s eastern dimension, the Eastern Partnership initiative. Quickly, however, having become convinced that the project would not amount to much, their concern gave way to indifference and derision. Furthermore, Russian re