Russia And The Eu Economic Relations

This dissertation has analyzed the relevant issues of the development of economic relations between Russia and EU from Russian perspective. Starting from the dynamics of economic and trade cooperation between the two sides, it analyzes their interest driving forces respectively and the legal foundation-"Russia and EU Partnership and Economic Cooperation Pact", and the economic interest brought to Russia. Upon such a basis, the author conducts comprehensive and systematic research on Russia--EU economic relations from trade, investment, energy cooperation and relevant affecting factors, and makes preliminary prediction on its prospect.EU is the biggest trade partner and investor for Russia, which determines the strong dependency of Russian economy on EU. Their problems in trade field focus mainly in two aspects: asymmetry of the trade relations and EU's import restriction on Russian products (anti-dumping, quantitative restriction etc.) Currently the investment of EU members in Russia accounts for more than 50% of its foreign investment. However, because the absolute amount of EU investment is small, it hardly plays a major role in Russia's economic growth. Future breakthrough of EU investment in Russia depends largely upon the significant improvement of Russia's domestic investment environment.Energy cooperation holds primary position in Russia-EU economic relations. This dissertation analyzes the foundation of their energy cooperation, summarizes the present situation of such cooperation and discusses the important role of energy dialogue played in their cooperation. Through such a positive research, the author argues that EU will still be the major direction of Russia's energy diplomacy during the first half of 21st century, and the prospect of their energy cooperation will be bright and broad.Euro circulation and EU expansion are the two main factors affecting Russia-EU economic development. In the short-term, the formal circulation of Euro is more harmful to bilateral economic relations, but from the mid-term or long-term perspective, it should have more advantages. However, the influence of EU expansion on bilateral relations will be rather complicated with both positive and negative impact, especially the "Kaliningiad issue" will put their cooperative sincerity to thetest in rather long period of time.In the new century there will be much development potentiality and space for Russia-EU economic relations. However, there are also some big differences in their mid-term and long-term strategic objects of economic and trade cooperation, therefore, there will hardly any great breakthrough among their economic relations in 10 years.