Tell me more. Russia on Macron’s détente initiatives
Tell me more. Russia on Macron’s détente initiatives

Author(s): Marek Menkiszak
Subject(s): Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Political behavior, Comparative politics, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Keywords: Russia; Emmanuel Macron; EU policy towards Russia; Russian policy towards Macron’s France;
Summary/Abstract: Emmanuel Macron took office as President of the French Republic in May 2017. In his statements, he has proclaimed the need to engage in dialogue with Russia and work with it to build an architecture of trust and security in Europe. This approach resulted from his diagnosis of crisis in the Western community and the growing assertiveness of non‑Western powers (including Russia), as well as his conviction that unless a modus vivendi with Moscow is found, it will be difficult to ensure the sovereignty and policy effectiveness of France and the entire European Union. The factors that have likely driven Macron also include a desire to promote French business in Russia, as well as an informal rivalry with Germany, which has traditionally played a central role in the EU’s political and economic relations with that country.

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