Strategic Partners No Longer?
EU documents prepared ahead of the Russia-EU summit have revealed a growing ambivalence toward Russia among European politicians.
Papers circulated before the summit say there is a "risk" that "Russia will distance itself from 'Europe' in its social and political development and in its approach to the world."
The wording is much milder than in earlier drafts, where ministers go far as calling Russia a "competitor and even opponent."
Apart from the official language, there is also growing distrust of Russia and Russian president Vladimir Putin in the European parliament.
Energy
Europe is dependent on Russia for 25% of its natural gas.
The dependence has made energy the primary point of contention in Russian and European relations.
Europe has grown suspicious of GazProm, the state-run gas monopoly whose employees were recently granted the right to carry firearms by the Russian parliament.
The European Commission announced a proposal in September that would prevent GazProm from investing into European energy markets.
Russia reacted to the proposals with dismay.
Bomber Flights and Missile Treaties
There is also growing concern about Russian foreign policy.
President Putin has announced he will withdraw Russia from the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty
He also has hinted he may nix Russia's involvement in a medium-range inter-continental ballistic missile agreement (NIF).
To top it off, Russia has accompanied this diplomatic chest-thumping with increased bomber flights over Scandinavia.
On the eve of the summit the latest EU draft is neutral yet suggestive:
"Russia is likely to be marked by an assertive foreign policy, tougher internal policies and heightened rhetoric."
