The case for change in Russian foreign policy

Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov’s recent speech delivered at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Valdai Discussion Club, published by Euractiv on 7 June, merits comment and debate. For sure Chizhov is a most skilled diplomat, uniquely experienced in European affairs from his long tenure in Brussels. He also makes some points that are refreshingly different to the messages of the Kremlin’s media propaganda campaigns, such that the European Union is collapsing: he says that those who are advancing such views “seriously underestimate the viability of this integration union”.

He considers today’s state of relations between Brussels and Moscow to be “frozen”, and also “abnormal”, given “our common Eurasian civilization”.  Yes, we both belong to the vast Eurasian land mass, if talk of “Eurasian civilization” seems premature. But our common European history and cultural heritage is so real and precious.

Read more on https://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/opinion/the-case-for-change-in-russian-foreign-policy...