Following Russia’s annexation of the Crimea and Putin’s support for the separatists in Eastern Ukraine the world seemed rosy to many Russians. But Putin’s actions led to Western sanctions and combined with the dramatic fall in the oil price the Russian economy is now in serious trouble. The rouble has dropped 40% since the summer and there are growing signs of dissatisfaction about social issues, such as the parlous state of the health system. Putin has blamed the West for Russia’s problems and talked of ‘hard times’ ahead. He has also cancelled the South Stream pipeline project. Under these circumstances what are the options for Russia? Does Putin know where he wants to take the country? What are the prospects for modernising the economy? Does the urban middle class believe in change? What are the implications for EU-Russia relations? Could a deal with the Eurasia Union be a possible way forward?
Programme :
17.00 Welcome : Fraser Cameron, Director, EU-Russia Centre
17.05 Panel Discussion
Sergey Utkin, Head of Department of Strategic Assessment, Russian Academy of Sciences
Marc Franco, Senior Fellow, EU-RC and ex-EU ambassador to Russia
Jane Amilhat, Deputy Head of Unit for Russia/CIS, DG Trade
Maria Ordzhonikidze, Secretary General, EU-Russia Centre
17.45 Q and A
18.30 Close