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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/sep/30/west-must-defend-its-values-against-putins-russia
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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
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| The west must defend its values against Putin’s Russia | The west must defend its values against Putin’s Russia |
| (11 days later) | |
| When I arrived in Moscow as the EU’s ambassador to Russia four years ago, relations between the two blocs were strained but functional. Within months, though, Russia would annex Crimea and intervene militarily in eastern Ukraine, plunging ties to their lowest point since the cold war. They have been in deep and acute crisis ever since and, as I leave my post, I am pessimistic that we will be able to return to a normal partnership in the near future. The differences between us are vast and hinge on principles of European security. | When I arrived in Moscow as the EU’s ambassador to Russia four years ago, relations between the two blocs were strained but functional. Within months, though, Russia would annex Crimea and intervene militarily in eastern Ukraine, plunging ties to their lowest point since the cold war. They have been in deep and acute crisis ever since and, as I leave my post, I am pessimistic that we will be able to return to a normal partnership in the near future. The differences between us are vast and hinge on principles of European security. |
| Today, the entire apparatus of the Kremlin has a singular focus: ensuring smooth and “credible” 2018 presidential elections that return President Vladimir Putin to power. Over the course of the six-year presidential term that will follow, it seems probable that the current clash of world views between Moscow and the west will continue. | Today, the entire apparatus of the Kremlin has a singular focus: ensuring smooth and “credible” 2018 presidential elections that return President Vladimir Putin to power. Over the course of the six-year presidential term that will follow, it seems probable that the current clash of world views between Moscow and the west will continue. |
| At the heart of this clash are fundamental differences over the future of Ukraine and Georgia, and their right to choose their own alliances. This clash is also about core European values. | At the heart of this clash are fundamental differences over the future of Ukraine and Georgia, and their right to choose their own alliances. This clash is also about core European values. |
| Inside Russia, we are likely to witness the continued rejection of the cornerstones of European democracy, including civil society activism, freedom of speech and political pluralism – all of which flourished in Russia during Yeltsin and Gorbachev’s times. Foreign investors will face uncertainties because of increased protectionism, weak rule of law and political unpredictability. | Inside Russia, we are likely to witness the continued rejection of the cornerstones of European democracy, including civil society activism, freedom of speech and political pluralism – all of which flourished in Russia during Yeltsin and Gorbachev’s times. Foreign investors will face uncertainties because of increased protectionism, weak rule of law and political unpredictability. |
| The Russian leadership will continue to reject the outcome of the cold war and insist on a European security order based on the spheres of influence of major powers. Russia respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours only as long as their geo-political choices align with its interests. | The Russian leadership will continue to reject the outcome of the cold war and insist on a European security order based on the spheres of influence of major powers. Russia respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours only as long as their geo-political choices align with its interests. |
| So what should the west do given these fundamental differences? We need to have a realistic, long-term and unified strategic approach. First, we must put our own house in order, handling Brexit successfully while ensuring stable growth. We must resolve the migration crisis, which has contributed to the rise in anti-EU and xenophobic sentiments in our own countries, and shore up popular trust in EU institutions through better and more transparent law-making. The EU member states must remain politically united because in unity lies our strength. It is precisely our internal problems that Moscow is exploiting to undermine the credibility of the EU model. | So what should the west do given these fundamental differences? We need to have a realistic, long-term and unified strategic approach. First, we must put our own house in order, handling Brexit successfully while ensuring stable growth. We must resolve the migration crisis, which has contributed to the rise in anti-EU and xenophobic sentiments in our own countries, and shore up popular trust in EU institutions through better and more transparent law-making. The EU member states must remain politically united because in unity lies our strength. It is precisely our internal problems that Moscow is exploiting to undermine the credibility of the EU model. |
| Second, we must stand up for our interests and values. Efforts by member states and Brussels to counter Russian propaganda, disinformation and meddling are essential, but they are not enough. | Second, we must stand up for our interests and values. Efforts by member states and Brussels to counter Russian propaganda, disinformation and meddling are essential, but they are not enough. |
| We must be wary of Russian attempts to use business interests to split and weaken the EU. Energy security is of particular importance given our dependence on Russian gas. The Nord Stream II project does not comply with EU energy objectives on diversification. We should also retain vigilance when attempts are made to award states business contracts as a quid pro quo for questioning the sanctions regime or broader EU policies. We must speak up for our values, when abuses of human rights and freedoms occur. As the human rights champion Lyudmila Alexeyeva reminded me recently: “Please tell Brussels not to give up on the Russian people.” | We must be wary of Russian attempts to use business interests to split and weaken the EU. Energy security is of particular importance given our dependence on Russian gas. The Nord Stream II project does not comply with EU energy objectives on diversification. We should also retain vigilance when attempts are made to award states business contracts as a quid pro quo for questioning the sanctions regime or broader EU policies. We must speak up for our values, when abuses of human rights and freedoms occur. As the human rights champion Lyudmila Alexeyeva reminded me recently: “Please tell Brussels not to give up on the Russian people.” |
| Third, the EU should stand its ground in supporting the international rules-based system and hold to account others subscribed to organisations and principles, from the UN charter through the World Trade Organization rules and different Council of Europe conventions. | Third, the EU should stand its ground in supporting the international rules-based system and hold to account others subscribed to organisations and principles, from the UN charter through the World Trade Organization rules and different Council of Europe conventions. |
| Fourth, we need a greater focus on ending the Ukrainian conflict, because it will be difficult to normalise relations while it continues. It is high time for the EU to be part of the Normandy format, the four-power discussions involving Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia, and if the US has a special representative for Ukraine, why doesn’t the EU? In parallel with efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the EU should step up support to Kiev in its judicial and economic modernisation project and attempts to tackle corruption. This is critical to ensure both continued western support and Ukrainian people’s backing for their chosen European path. | Fourth, we need a greater focus on ending the Ukrainian conflict, because it will be difficult to normalise relations while it continues. It is high time for the EU to be part of the Normandy format, the four-power discussions involving Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia, and if the US has a special representative for Ukraine, why doesn’t the EU? In parallel with efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the EU should step up support to Kiev in its judicial and economic modernisation project and attempts to tackle corruption. This is critical to ensure both continued western support and Ukrainian people’s backing for their chosen European path. |
| We need not only to acknowledge Ukrainians’ European aspirations but at some point grant them a path towards EU membership. We know from experience that the prospect of membership works as a stimulus for reforms. Uncertainty about Ukraine’s geopolitical position also leaves it exposed to further destabilisation by Russia, which in turn has a negative impact on EU-Russia relations. A successful Ukraine will contribute to stability in our region and represent a powerful example for the Russian people. | We need not only to acknowledge Ukrainians’ European aspirations but at some point grant them a path towards EU membership. We know from experience that the prospect of membership works as a stimulus for reforms. Uncertainty about Ukraine’s geopolitical position also leaves it exposed to further destabilisation by Russia, which in turn has a negative impact on EU-Russia relations. A successful Ukraine will contribute to stability in our region and represent a powerful example for the Russian people. |
| Fifth, we should aim at working with Moscow where our interests coincide. These range from Iranian nuclear talks, which had a important Russian participation, to UN sanctions on North Korea and managing conflicts in Syria, Libya and Afghanistan. | Fifth, we should aim at working with Moscow where our interests coincide. These range from Iranian nuclear talks, which had a important Russian participation, to UN sanctions on North Korea and managing conflicts in Syria, Libya and Afghanistan. |
| The future of Russia lies in the hands of the Russians themselves. It is up to them to decide who they want to be: Europeans, Asians or some “unique formulation” bridging that gap. | The future of Russia lies in the hands of the Russians themselves. It is up to them to decide who they want to be: Europeans, Asians or some “unique formulation” bridging that gap. |
| If after 2024 – or even earlier – they decide to go for the European way, we should be ready to support them. However, it must be made very clear: the road to Europe goes via Kiev, with respect of Ukraine’s European choice, and adherence to the European security order. It cannot go through “managed” democracy in Russia itself. | If after 2024 – or even earlier – they decide to go for the European way, we should be ready to support them. However, it must be made very clear: the road to Europe goes via Kiev, with respect of Ukraine’s European choice, and adherence to the European security order. It cannot go through “managed” democracy in Russia itself. |
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