Samenvatting

This dissertation is focused on the relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation in light of the recent developments in Ukraine. The research provides evidence on the relations between these parties, keeping the dissolution of the Soviet Union in mind. It looks at various theories of international relations, and recognises the classical realistic roots that underlie the making of foreign policy in Russia.
The application of political realism is an important aspect of this dissertation. It gives an overview of why certain states, Russian Federation, behave in a particular manner. With terms, such as statism, survival, and self-help functioning as an outline of this theory, and setting the evidence that clarify why certain actions were taken by Russian leaders. It, therefore, concludes that Russia most closely fulfils the classification of a classical realist.
This dissertation investigates the nature of the developments in Ukraine, examining the recent developments, as well as the EU’s and Russia’s role in this. It provides the background on the historical, economic, and political developments that led to the Ukraine crisis in 2014. Furthermore, it looks at whether the relations have changed, and if so, how, by looking at the way that the Ukraine crisis has affected the foreign policy of both parties.
When examining Russian foreign policy it identifies the importance of the domestic politics, and how that plays a role in the Kremlin. In connection with this, it identifies the utopian concept of ‘Russkij Mir’, and establishes important figures in the Russian political landscape that can be identified as ‘hardliners’, and form the core advisors to the office of the President. It furthermore explains its affiliation to the Ukraine crisis and the subsequent annexation of Crimea.
Finally, this dissertation examines how the Ukraine crisis affected the EU’s and its foreign policy. The institutions and treaties that are at the basis of these relations are vital in this process. Some of the policies and agreements analysed are the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the Eastern Partnership (EaP), Association Agreements (AAs). Additionally, it establishes the importance of European values that are at the heart of these institutionalised frameworks for negotiation.
Concluding the extensive research, the dissertation states that the crisis in Ukraine has been a turning point in the EU-Russia relations, and has significantly altered the foundation of their approach to one another. This has been evidenced in their changing foreign policy and attitude in the policy-making process. Additionally, it recommends that the EU should consider the Russian domestic politics when creating foreign policy towards the shared neighbourhood. Additionally, it recognises the challenges it faces, particularly if internal disagreements will leave it unable to act in unison.