Recording

European-Russian relations are at a low point at the moment. Not only since the annexation of Crimea have relations seemingly been on a downward spiral. Current conflicts such as the construction of Nord Stream 2 or the arrest of Alexei Nawalny dominate the discourse.

At the same time, the international situation has become increasingly complex and diffuse. Governments and societies need to find solutions for different kinds of global challenges and geopolitical conflicts – from climate change and the current pandemic situation to arms control, cybercrime, resource conflicts and refugee movements. Relevant international actors need to cooperate on a constructive level to overcome these challenges.

Without neglecting the differences between the European Union and Russia, we would like to focus in this event on the external challenges facing both partners. Which global problems are of particular importance, especially in the field of peace and security policy? Can common interests be identified? How could it be possible to find a coordinated or even joint approach with regard to these common interests? How could such cooperation help ease the constrained relationship in other fields?