Germany’s relations with Russia continue to be established on a broad foundation of bilateral integration at state, economic, and civil society level. Bilateralism does not have priority for Germany: in fact, relations are firmly rooted in EU–Russian relations. Within this framework Germany understands itself as initiator and motor of policy in Brussels – with a broad consensus among all the parties represented in the Bundestag. The coalition agreement contains a commitment to continue the strategic partnership with Russia and to contribute to that country’s modernization on the basis of European values. Europe needs an open, strong and capable Russia in order to be able to manage common challenges in a global world, according to Foreign Minister Steinmeier.

In this context, in the meantime, one aspect remains contentious among the partners: should relations be limited to a partnership of interests or do they have to include also a partnership of common values if they are to be lasting? Are we witnessing a traditional Russian »special path« under the rubric of constructing a self-determined »sovereign democracy« or is it a matter of a detour through Putin’s centralizing system in order to help basic European values to make a breakthrough in Russia after full stabilization? Will the energy-rich and so more self-assured Russia seek a greater distance from Europe or will the links be strengthened?

The answer to these questions will fundamentally decide the prospects of the four common pan-European spaces as envisaged in 2003 within the framework of the EU Russia partnership agreement which came into force in 1997 and which are to be analysed in view of Germany’s special interests: (i) the economic space, including energy partnership; (ii) the space of freedom, security and justice with its important aspects of freedom of travel; (iii) the space of external security, taking into consideration the future of the buffer zone of Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, as well as the »frozen conflicts« in Moldova and Georgia; and (iv) the space of science, education, and culture, in respect of which German–Russian relations are particularly close, although constricted by Moscow’s restrictive NGO legislation.

The EU presidency in the first six months of 2007 gives Germany both obligations and opportunities, after overcoming the Polish blockade, to help shape a new version of the expiring partnership agreement with Russia both critically and constructively and to introduce its concept of convergence through integration. European basic values should remain the basis of lasting partnership, not least with reference to Russia’s own commitments within the framework of OSCE, the European Council and the partnership agreement itself. At the same time, its inadequate implementation does not represent a fundamental obstacle to the realization of common interests, such as those which found expression in the successful settlement of the bitter conflict in Ukraine.