The EU, the Eurasian Economic Union and One Belt, One Road: can they work together?

There are three main integration projects in the Eurasian landmass: the European Union, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and China's 'One Belt, One Road' (OBOR) initiative. The EU is the largest economic bloc; the EAEU covers the largest area; OBOR covers the largest population. Relationships within and between these initiatives could easily go wrong. There are tensions between the EU and Russia, including over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea in 2014. There are tensions between countries along the 'Silk Road' from China to Europe. Russia is pursuing a strategic partnership with China at present, but their interests are not identical and nationalists on both sides occasionally voice suspicion or hostility to the other. But there may be scope for an innovative approach to diplomacy and economic co-operation across a huge expanse and for the benefit of an enormous population. The approach would have to be incremental, starting with modest objectives and aiming to build confidence among the parties gradually, given the differences among them.

ESO: Background information: China and Russia: gaming the West http://www.europeansources.info/record/china-and-russia-gaming-the-west/

ESO: Background information: Russia’s Greater Eurasia and China’s New Silk Road: adaptation instead of competition http://www.europeansources.info/record/russias-greater-eurasia-and-chinas-new-silk-road-adaptation-instead-of-competition/

ESO: Background information: Absorb and conquer: An EU approach to Russian and Chinese integration in Eurasia http://www.europeansources.info/record/absorb-and-conquer-an-eu-approach-to-russian-and-chinese-integration-in-eurasia/

---