Why is Russia concerned about former Soviet bloc countries being absorbed into the E.U?
Revision as of 20:09, 28 September 2009 by Mpospisilik (talk | contribs) (New page: EU expansion erodes Russia's sphere of influence. By joining the EU, former Soviet satellites gain the backing and support of the other countries in the EU, which have a combined populati...)
EU expansion erodes Russia's sphere of influence. By joining the EU, former Soviet satellites gain the backing and support of the other countries in the EU, which have a combined population of 500 million people and approximatley 30% of the world GDP. Since Russia exerts control over its neighbours and satellites from a position of power (i.e. it is much bigger and wealthier) such tactics would no longer be effective against countries that joined the EU.