The EU – Russian relationship has been strained since 2014, due to Russia´s illegal annexation of Crimea and support for rebel groups in Eastern Ukraine. This was followed by Russian assertive politics and hostile hybrid activities against Western countries. The EU has regularly renewed sanctions against Russia since 2014, but as the EU and Russia remain closely interdependent and the EU applies a ‘selective engagement’ approach, this has put a strain on the Transatlantic relationship. One of the most visible of these strains and of mutual interconnection is the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, whose construction has caused controversy not only in Europe but across the Atlantic.

How much are EU and Russia dependent on each other? How long can a period of sanctions last, given that it harms the economic interests on both sides? What is Russia´s strategy towards the EU for the coming years? Can the EU take some steps towards Russia without consulting the United States?

Confirmed speakers:

Peter B. Doran, President & CEO, Center for European Policy Analysis

Clark S. Judge, Managing Director, White House Writers Group

Petr Kolář, former Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the USA and Russia

Moderated by Jan Macháček, Chairman of the Board, Institute for Politics and Society.

This event will be held in English without the provision of interpreting services.

The breakfast is by invitation only.