German factor in the relations the EU and Russian Federation (1990 s)

In the post-bipolarera Germany has become an active participant in the unification process, which took place on the European continent. At the same timedeclared to be a high mission in Germany - being an integral part of the Atlantic geopolitical space, serve as a bridge between east and westof the continent, thereby creating a united Europe. Germany was interested in expanding the EU for the countries of Central and EasternEurope. Their connection to the EU promised Germany a lot of benefits, but raises the question of cooperation with Russia. Germany hascontributed to the research and development of an optimal tool for EU policy towards Russia, which is reflected in the creation of theprogram TACIS, which was attached to the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation, signed the Russian Federation and the EU in June1994. At the same time Germany contributed to sum up the legal framework for EU - Russia cooperation, having achieved the adoption ofthe relevant EU Regulations in respect of the Russian Federation. German Foreign Minister K. Kinkel developed a comprehensive strategysmoothing the sharp corners in the process of EU enlargement to the east, proposing to adopt the idea of a Euro-Atlantic stability. In thesecond half of the 1990s background, which unfolded contacts between the EU and Russia, has acquired a negative connotation, thanks in nosmall measure to change the position of Germany, where he became increasingly skeptical about the success speak Russian in the formationof a democratic order. For the Russian leadership has come to realize that Europe is in no hurry to accept Russia in its ranks. In addition,concern is intensifying efforts of the Member States of the common foreign and security policy. Failed attempt to build axis Moscow -Bonn (Berlin) - Paris, by which, according to the Kremlin, Russia could join the pan-European security structure. Yet the tendency to buildbridges of Russia and the EU view, but it was interrupted by the events of late summer - autumn of 1998, namely default and theaccompanying political crisis in Russia. Germany authorities tried to prevent fractures, radically deteriorating relations between the EU andRussia. Having taken in January 1999 EU presidency, Germany is actively promoted the adoption of Common Strategy of the EuropeanUnion on Russia. With the advent of coalition SPD - Union 90 / Green recognized that the economic power of the EU clearly dominatesits political power and military potential. In this regard, the federal government stepped up G. Schroeder development of a commonEuropean policy on security and defense. At the Helsinki European Council summit in 1999 were accompanied by initiatives to CESDPtough decisions in regard to Russia. The EU and Germany have accumulated serious claims to the Russian policy in the field of humanrights. Playing on the EU, the German authorities have increasingly used the second Chechen campaign as a pretext for interfering in theinternal affairs of Russia.

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