ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the normative contestations between the EU and Russia and consequences for the relationship. It summarises discussions about the relative prominence of the normative and structural power both possess, developing a perspective emphasising the asymmetrical nature of the relationship. The EU’s role remains hegemonic: it continues to define the meaning of Europe and thus the universal norm for its neighbourhood, including Russia. The latter embraces a Eurocentric outlook: even the conservatives are unable to define ‘the Russian idea’ in an independent way, trying to prove instead that Russia is the embodiment of truly European values. Hegemony, however, is not easily translated into influence: as a structural condition, it constrains both parties, and its nature is evolving in many important respects. In particular, the EU has come close to abandoning its identity as a normative power and now de-facto shares Russia’s concern about the challenges abounding in the ‘post-sovereign’ world. Any future reconciliation is hampered by the lack of trust and the irreconcilable normative disagreements over Crimea, Donbas and the status of the shared neighbourhood overall. This means Europe is looking towards a protracted period of heightened tensions requiring every effort be made to avoid the most disastrous consequences.
