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EU Soft Security: Myth or Reality? Russian Economic Pressure on Central European Members

Core Content

This document, authored by Keith C. Smith and published in 2008, critically examines the concept of "soft security" provided by the European Union to its Central European member states in the face of Russian economic pressure. The author argues that the EU has failed to protect these new democracies from Russian influence and coercion, particularly through energy-related initiatives.

Main Points

1. Soft Security Expectations

• Initial Belief: Central European countries, once under Soviet control, expected EU membership to offer non-military "soft security" against potential Russian aggression.
• NATO vs. EU: Some EU members believed NATO was unnecessary and that EU membership alone would suffice for security, fearing that NATO would provoke Russia.
• Economic Sovereignty: The idea was that EU membership would safeguard the political and economic sovereignty of Central Europe from Russian interference.

2. EU's Inaction and Russian Dominance

• Nord Stream Pipeline: The EU's support for the Nord Stream pipeline, despite its high cost and environmental risks, shows a failure to resist Russian economic influence.
• South Stream Project: Russia has also secured support for the South Stream pipeline, undermining the EU's "Nabucco" project aimed at bypassing Russian control.
• Lack of Coordination: The EU has not coordinated a strong response to Russian energy dominance, leaving Central European states vulnerable.

3. Western European Indifference

• Dependence on Russian Energy: Wealthier EU members, such as Germany, France, and Italy, show less concern about Russian energy dominance and are more willing to engage with Russia.
• Declining Defense Spending: Western European defense budgets have been decreasing, while Russia's military activities have been increasing.
• Passivity in Response: The EU has been passive in responding to Russian actions, such as the 2006 oil supply cut to Lithuania and the 2007 cyber attack on Estonia.

4. EU's Internal Divisions

• National Interests Over Collective Security: EU member states prioritize their own national interests, often at the expense of collective security, especially in energy matters.
• Lack of Multilateralism: The EU lacks a unified approach to energy security, making it easier for Russia to exploit divisions and pressure weaker members.

5. Call for Action

• Coalition of the Wiling: The author suggests that Central European states should form a coalition with smaller EU members to resist Russian influence.
• Energy Transparency and Anti-Corruption: The EU should enforce transparency and anti-corruption measures in energy dealings, both within and outside its borders.
• Support for New Members: Larger EU members should support the new Central European states to protect them from Russian economic coercion and promote regional stability.

Key Information

• Nord Stream and South Stream: These pipelines are seen as strategic tools for Russian influence over Europe's energy infrastructure.
• Environmental and Economic Risks: Nord Stream poses significant environmental and economic risks, including increased costs for European consumers and reduced energy competition.
• EU's Competency Gap: The EU lacks the authority and coordination to effectively counter Russian energy initiatives, despite public support for them.
• Corrosive Effects of Corruption: Energy profits have had a negative impact on the political integrity of new democracies in Central Europe.
• Author's Perspective: Keith C. Smith, from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argues that the EU's approach to Russian energy dominance is flawed and needs urgent reform.

Conclusion

The document concludes that the EU's "soft security" is a myth, as it has not effectively resisted Russian economic pressure. It calls for a more unified and assertive EU energy policy to protect the interests of its Central European members and to counter the growing influence of Russia in the region.