Improved E.U/Russian Relations?

[Sissco]

GREAT!! It's bad enough that Berlisconi become President or Priminister of Italy again...now he wants Europe and the Russia to be Best Friends again...This is the last thing we need:

Berlusconi offers his services to help EU-Russia relations



Silvio Berlusconi has put himself forward as the man who can massage the EU's relationship with Russia.

It was through him that Vladimir Putin got a ticket to his first NATO summit, hosted by Berlusconi in 2002.

Moscow's relationship with the former and future Italian Prime Minister can pick up where it left off, according to Silvio Fagiola, a professor of International Relations in Rome. He said:

"Berlusconi was always a great supporter of close relations between Russia and Western countries. He was instrumental in establishing the first contact between NATO and Russia. Italy will push for more attention to Russia in the European Union and in the Atlantic Alliance."

But the chemistry between Berlusconi and Putin is not shared by Brussels or Washington.

The most recent NATO summit, in Bucharest, brought to the fore tensions over NATO expansion, missile defence shields and Kosovo's independence which has been recognised by Rome.

These will present obstacles to Berlusconi if he is to become a mediator.

Economic cooperation between Rome and Moscow may not always be in the EU's interests, particularly the energy partnership between Italian group Eni and Russia's Gazprom.

Their most ambitious joint project is the South Stream pipeline.

The venture would take Russian gas through the Black Sea to Italy.

It is good business for Italy at a time when the country's economy needs a boost, but raises questions over the EU's continued dependence on Russian energy.

Eni and Gazprom will also work together in Libya's oil and gas fields. Before arriving in Italy to meet Berlusconi, Putin signed contracts to that effect in Tripoli.

The two countries will share assets in Libya, but Gazprom's advance into north Africa will be noted with alarm by many European leaders.

While Berlusconi's affinity with the Kremlin may enhance his credentials as a mediator, his critics are wary of a conflict of interests.

I'd rather that Europe...or at Least Britain stayed close to the U.S...we don't need Russia..lllok at the Trouble they caused after ww2!!!

Sissco