European Union and Russian Federation: A brief history of relations from 1991 to 2021

Abstract

This article is dealing with international relations between EU and Russian Federation after falling of Berlin's wall and decline of communist regimes in countries of Eastern block. Author is trying to emphasize three periods. First period is from 1991. until 2000. During presidency of Boris Jeljcin in Russia. This period is reflected by declining of Russian power and stronger integration of Europe because of Treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam. Second period is period of coming on power president Vladimir Putin and uprising of Russia. This period lasts until 2014. year, when relations were more-less stable, except conflict in Georgia. Third period is related to conflict in Ukraine in 2014. And energetic crisis in 2021. Conflict in Ukraine has shown that EU doesn't have force to stand from foreign policy of USA, which is reflected in actions of NATO. Author concludes article with hope that memory from two world wars will be enough strong for politicians from both sides to not let another world war, and they will find new ways to enhance international cooperation.