“The energy alliance Germany is forging with Russia has the same philosophy behind it. To find a way to bind this huge Russian neighbor into a common European space, develop interdependent structures and ties, create some kind of trust, and then also benefit from easy access to the Russian gas fields which are at Europe's front door.”
“There is mounting anger in Western business circles over the lack of radical liberal reforms and the failure to establish a functioning legal system.”
“The new member states have a completely different view of Russia, understandably. But they, too, have to sooner or later start defining what kind of relationship they want with Russia. This is something Germany has been trying to do since 1945.”
“Germany's alliance with Russia was not just conceived as a commercial deal, but as a way to integrate Russia into Europe. This could be in jeopardy, if the gas dispute continues.”
“She might tell them when she goes there about the mess one can make by using energy as a political tool. But she will do nothing to question the energy alliance between Germany and Russia.”
“Merkel has a certain coolness towards Russia, after all she grew up in what she would view as an occupied East Germany. But German business interests make good relations essential and she can't ignore that reality.”
