Development of relations between the EU and Russia with a view to a political sphere

Since the establishment of the European Union and the Russian Federation, EU-Russian relations have changed dramatically. These changes have meant important progress for both parties, leading to efficient cooperation. Since the beginning of the nineties, a wide institutional structure has been created between members, governing spheres of economy, politics, security and culture. Although the process of integration had been initially very successful, present relations are going through a crisis of opinion leading to a slowdown in the smooth dynamic of communication. There are many problems within current relations whose origins spring not only from the disunity of opinion between the EU and Russia, but also from the differing rhetoric of European member states. Russia and the EU are facing important decisions over preferring unified cooperation rather than marginal economic interests, and agreeing on the final version of a long-prepared agreement on mutual partnership.