ABSTRACT
The political map of Eurasia is laid out in such a way that Russia and the EU have a common border and, furthermore, there are countries on the map that form the area of a 'common neighborhood' (CN). This chapter explains the power relations that Russia and the EU establish with the CN countries, as well as the choices CN countries make in favor of one major power or the other. In developing relations with the CN countries, the Russian leadership bases its calculations on this feature, while pursuing the goal of building a sustainable Russia-centered coalition and preventing the growth of the influence of third states (or their alliances) in the CN. The differences in Russia's and the EU's approach to the CN is evident, this is true both in their general strategies and in terms of the use of concrete power instruments. Moscow facilitated the emergence of new actors inside the country, including the Party of Socialists (PSRM).
