Putin’s Greece visit a clear message for EU

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Athens appears economic at its face value, but it is also an attempt to demonstrate Moscow could move through its allies in Europe, notably Athens, to flout EU sanctions imposed by Brussels over Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. Putin is quite aware that Athens could play a role in restoring rapprochement with Brussels amid reservations of some EU capitals about the sanctions against Moscow.
The Russian president might have paid the visit to the EU member state to vent his anger at NATO and the EU members, especially Romania and Poland, over the US missile defence system being installed by Washington to defend the region from what it calls the Iranian missile threats.
Greece also believes the close ties with Russia are crucial as they can help promote relations between Russia and the EU, and Russia and NATO. “Improving relations with Russia on multiple levels is a strategic choice. We can act as a positive influence within the EU and NATO,” said Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
Athens, Budapest and Rome are reserved about sanctions on Russia
given their economic ties with Moscow. Though Russia’s economy has been hurt by these sanctions, a number of EU states are affected too, especially after Moscow reciprocated by imposing its own retaliatory sanctions on the EU.
The visit comes as Athens desperately seeks to come out of recession and Moscow tries to ward off the sanctions. Greek officials say increased trade with Russia could play a part in recovery efforts. Greece is also keen to activate tourism with Russia, and attract interest from Russian companies in the planned privatisation of rail and other transport services.
Russia is one of Greece’s main trading partners, but business has been hit by the sanctions and a drop in commodity prices.
Indeed, the timing of Putin’s tour might have been calculated as EU leaders are to discuss next month whether to renew sanctions on Russia’s banking, defence and energy sectors that expire in July.
Despite the sanctions, Moscow and Athens inked agreements on energy and tourism.
There are signs of a crack in the wall of EU sanctions on Russia. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said resistance is growing within the bloc, and a unanimous vote is required. Italy and Hungary have been among the most sceptical. Yet, Poland and the Baltic states have repeatedly pressed for maintaining pressure on Moscow.
Given its sensitive economic status, Athens strikes a balance regarding the sanctions. Greece’s leftist leader Tsipras criticised what he branded a vicious circle of sanctions, but nonetheless said his country “belongs to the EU and respects absolutely its commitments to the international organisations to which it belongs”.
In an article in Kathimerini daily on Thursday ahead of his visit, Putin said Russia was interested in tenders involving Greek rail assets and the port of Thessaloniki, a major gateway into the Balkans.
Putin believes that the EU would not be a global player without his country’s help. Both sides have economic potentials that could benefit them.
Moscow is quite aware that the resolution of Ukrainian crisis is crucial for peace and stability in Europe. It needs to work with Brussels to resolve the crisis amicably.
While focusing on resolution of the conflict between Kiev and Moscow, Brussels has to address Moscow’s security fears. The visit may be a chance to mend fences.