The Russian dilemma for NATO and the EU: How the “renewed” West should stand up for its values

The enlargement of the EU and NATO to include Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans has been one of the cornerstones of European security over the last two decades. It has contributed to the peace and prosperity of the whole continent by dismantling old divisions and building new foundations for Europe-wide partnerships in security, democracy and economic well-being. Yet, Russia has balked at these processes, even feeling left out of them. As a result, Russia has progressively increased its challenges to both the EU’s and NATO’s enlargement plans, by resurrecting memories of geopolitical confrontation and external threat.