In the Shadow of Kremlin stars: Belarus-EU Relations Lack Substance

By Dzianis Meliantsou and Vitali Silitski 

Belarus-Russia relations are entering a new period of uncertainty with question marks hanging over their future and the goals pursued by the major players. Despite the deep institutionalization and routinization of almost all the aspects of the Belarus-Russia union, the countries have differences over energy prices as some Russian officials de facto press for a steep rise, possible privatization projects, and the formation of "a union state." In our view, the uncertainty emerged after the Russian government in the second half of 2007 revised its plan, declared in 2006, to introduce market-driven pricing for Belarus. In this context, Belarus' relationship with the EU changes depending on tensions or improvements in relations with Russia.
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