Russia, Turkey and the Vision of Greater Europe

Russia and Turkey have many common features, predetermined by their respective histories, geographical locations and cultures. Among these numerous common features one can single out very complex and controversial relations of our two nations with the European ‘core’ – countries and societies that are united within the current borders of the European Union. On the one hand, Europe for centuries has been a major source of new technologies, best social practices and intellectual inspiration for both St. Petersburg and Istanbul, for Moscow and Ankara. On the other hand, Russia and Turkey have never been or aspired to become just ‘normal’ European countries – both Russians and Turks have always valued and cherished their unique Eurasian identities and their trans-continental destinies.

ESO: Background information: Why the Arab Spring set Russia on the road to confrontation with the West http://www.europeansources.info/record/why-the-arab-spring-set-russia-on-the-road-to-confrontation-with-the-west/

ESO: Background information: Russia says it will shift gas transit from Ukraine to Turkey http://www.europeansources.info/record/russia-says-it-will-shift-gas-transit-from-ukraine-to-turkey/

ESO: Background information: [Opinion]: Putin and Erdogan: A new year and new challenges in the EU neighbourhood http://www.europeansources.info/record/opinion-putin-and-erdogan-a-new-year-and-new-challenges-in-the-eu-neighbourhood/

ESO: Background information: Turkey’s EU accession negotiations should now be suspended http://www.europeansources.info/record/opinion-turkeys-eu-accession-negotiations-should-now-be-suspended/

Simerini, 18.01.15: Cyprus loses Moscow's support (via Euro|Topics) http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/presseschau/archiv/aehnliche/archiv_article/ARTICLE156800-Cyprus-loses-Moscow-s-support

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