Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko called relations between Moscow and the EU “conflict coexistence.” He is quoted by TASS.
In his opinion, some forces in Europe want to use the external threat factor for the sake of internal consolidation. “This is being done not only in an effort to return the dominant global position of the countries of the collective West, but also, this is obvious for everyone, for internal consolidation in crisis conditions. Moreover, they do not disdain even the most unscrupulous methods, ”the diplomat emphasized.
At the same time, such methods are reflected in the nature of Russia's relations with the West, and the situation within the EU is still far from stable. According to Grushko, “Eurosceptic sentiments” are growing in European countries: it’s not only about Britain’s withdrawal from the union, but also about the difference of opinion regarding the direction in which to “move the European project”. The deputy foreign minister added that social instability is also growing in Europe, the association is less resistant to threats such as terrorism, illegal migration, cybercrime, the COVID-19 pandemic and drug trafficking.
On March 4, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke about the “destruction of the infrastructure of relations” with the EU from the side of the union. In his opinion, the current policy of Brussels towards Moscow can hardly be called friendly.
