The events of the last weeks have weakened the EU's common position on Russia, and on energy issues, and have entailed a split of the unity of Europe. Russia persists in negotiating bilaterally with EU Member States, and signing energy deals that causes further division in the Union. The firm, common stand of the EU on dealings with Russia, if it has ever actually existed, is now gone as a consequence of the Russian divide-and conquer strategy.
What has led to this situation? The answer lies in Poland's reluctance, its hardline position on the issue, and its governments negative stance towards the Union. Even though Poland is to receive 75 billion dollars from the EU in the coming seven years, through various development assistance and support programs, the Poles remain strangely sceptical towards the Union. Instead, the focal point of Polish foreign policy has shifted towards the US, which however, its own people does not approve of. By no doubt, the Polish history of mostly damaging and detrimental Russian influence has affected the country's stand, but by no means should it lead to the Poles turning its back on Europe. Were it not for the EC/EUs contributions in the 1990s, i.e. economic and political support in a period of socio-political and economic turmoil, the Poles would surely be much worse off.
The Russians are using its energy resources as a means of extending its influence in Central and Eastern Europe. While this is nothing new, considering the events in both Byelorussia and the Ukraine, it must worry EU leaders. Albeit this new threat is of a non-military nature, it still poses an economical and political threat to the Union.
As often happens when the Union is treated as a bloc of 27, rather than as an entity speaking with one voice, other countries and actors are exploiting and benefiting from the inherit weaknesses of the EUs institutional basis; in this case, Russia. The new Member States must ask themselves what they want out of the European project, as their unilateral actions (not only Poland are to be blamed) do much harm to European unity. Do they believe that acting alone is beneficial in the long term? If the possibilities and chances of the EU to speak with one voice are impeded, it runs the risk of losing international respect, influence and legitimacy.
The EU must issue a strong warning to the states that fail to comply with EU legislation and rules, and threaten to jeopardize European energy policy. It is a bad sign already that Russia rejects the Commission's demands of giving European energy companies access to the Russian energy market. As the Russian energy companies are so firmly attached to Moscow, these has become power instruments at the hands of an unreliable government.
The problem is twofold, however, and also entails the Poles shifting it focus back towards Europe, but its near fundamentalist, conservative government has chosen a different path. It is ultimately, though, up to the Polish people to decide what they want. The EU is an association of democratic, enlightened and free countries, and it should remain true to its values.
What has led to this situation? The answer lies in Poland's reluctance, its hardline position on the issue, and its governments negative stance towards the Union. Even though Poland is to receive 75 billion dollars from the EU in the coming seven years, through various development assistance and support programs, the Poles remain strangely sceptical towards the Union. Instead, the focal point of Polish foreign policy has shifted towards the US, which however, its own people does not approve of. By no doubt, the Polish history of mostly damaging and detrimental Russian influence has affected the country's stand, but by no means should it lead to the Poles turning its back on Europe. Were it not for the EC/EUs contributions in the 1990s, i.e. economic and political support in a period of socio-political and economic turmoil, the Poles would surely be much worse off.
The Russians are using its energy resources as a means of extending its influence in Central and Eastern Europe. While this is nothing new, considering the events in both Byelorussia and the Ukraine, it must worry EU leaders. Albeit this new threat is of a non-military nature, it still poses an economical and political threat to the Union.
As often happens when the Union is treated as a bloc of 27, rather than as an entity speaking with one voice, other countries and actors are exploiting and benefiting from the inherit weaknesses of the EUs institutional basis; in this case, Russia. The new Member States must ask themselves what they want out of the European project, as their unilateral actions (not only Poland are to be blamed) do much harm to European unity. Do they believe that acting alone is beneficial in the long term? If the possibilities and chances of the EU to speak with one voice are impeded, it runs the risk of losing international respect, influence and legitimacy.
The EU must issue a strong warning to the states that fail to comply with EU legislation and rules, and threaten to jeopardize European energy policy. It is a bad sign already that Russia rejects the Commission's demands of giving European energy companies access to the Russian energy market. As the Russian energy companies are so firmly attached to Moscow, these has become power instruments at the hands of an unreliable government.
The problem is twofold, however, and also entails the Poles shifting it focus back towards Europe, but its near fundamentalist, conservative government has chosen a different path. It is ultimately, though, up to the Polish people to decide what they want. The EU is an association of democratic, enlightened and free countries, and it should remain true to its values.
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