Russia – EU: Competing Logics of Region Building

Russia and the EU compete for influence in Northern Europe and the Baltic, Black, and Caspian Sea regions, but the two countries pursue different strategies: While Russia regards these countries as “natural zones of influence,” the EU focuses on a soft power approach within the framework of its Eastern Partnership. In lieu of bilateral projects, the EU and Russia should emphasize multilateral cooperation and should especially promote the strengthening of regional institutions.