How to deal with Russia on security issues – particularly on energy security – is one of the most divisive issues facing the EU. Despite their commitment to speak to Russia with one voice, various EU countries negotiate with Russia bilaterally whenever possible (especially over lucrative business contracts), congregating under the EU umbrella only when necessary.
而俄罗斯则忙于调和自己与欧洲迥异的价值观。部分俄罗斯人坦诚“对与布鲁塞尔官僚打交道感到厌倦。”俄罗斯杜马外交关系委员会主席康斯坦丁·科萨切夫（Konstantin Kosachev）称：“在德国、意大利和法国，我们能够取得更大的成果。”