How should Europe respond to Russia? The Italian view

Italy has traditionally looked at Russia through an economic rather than a geopolitical lens. Rome has deep economic and energy ties with Russia, and it has not been particularly interested in the region that Russia has traditionally considered to be its sphere of influence. This explains Italy’s enthusiasm for the establishment of the NATO-Russia Council in 2002, as well as its relative passivity in the face of Russia’s aggression towards Georgia in the summer of 2008. It seemed as though the Italian reaction to the crisis in Ukraine would be more of the same – but this turned out not to be the case. Italy’s reaction was slow and is largely inclined towards moderation and engagement rather than confrontation. However, the Ukraine crisis has marked a gradual structural shift in Italian foreign policy towards Russia.

ESO: Background information: Italy: South Stream pipeline is no longer a priority http://www.europeansources.info/record/italy-south-stream-pipeline-is-no-longer-a-priority/

ESO: Background information: Mogherini backs Western Balkan enlargement http://www.europeansources.info/record/mogherini-backs-western-balkan-enlargement/

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