Relations Between Russia, Europe Remain Tense over Georgia

While countries such as Italy are trying to strike a balance between doves and hawks in the arm-wrestling between Europe and Russia, Brussels and Washington are strengthening cooperation with Georgia. The US and Georgia started on Monday a 2-week joint military exercise criticised by Russia. 

Meanwhile, Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili is in Brussels for his first official visit. After meeting NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday, he held a joint press conference with European Council’s President Donald Tusk. He is also meeting European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič to discuss energy cooperation.

Despite Germany’s Angela Merkel visit to Moscow on Sunday, Russia maintains a critical approach to European international politics. Putin did not back a joint statement of the major Western powers for a Government of National Accord.  

‘Terrorists are exploiting this conflict to establish a presence in Libya and will take advantage of Libya's national wealth to advance their appalling transnational agenda’ the governments of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the US said on Tuesday. 

Russia is a key player in North Africa. 

ITALY AND RUSSIA 

Rome is trying to play the role of mediator. This emerged in the energy sector on Tuesday. 

Enel, which is partially owned by the state, reiterated its commitment to energy cooperation in Russia. The Russian offshoot of the Italian company has a net installed capacity of 9,107 MW.  

“Enel Russia will continue to build on these abilities by implementing a number of initiatives that will allow us to face this year’s challenges and keep on growing starting from 2016” Carlo Palasciano, General Manager of Enel Russia, commented on Tuesday, presenting the company’s cost optimisation plan.