At the end of 2006 the European Union experiences complex relations with its two major eastern neighbors - Russia and Turkey, reports Le Monde. On one hand, the EU aspires to conclude a new agreement on partnership but runs across a rejection to ratify an energy charter that could make Turkey's market open. On the other hand, the EU tries to successfully complete the membership talks, which are impeded by the unsettled Cypriot issue. Ankara has not opened its air and sea ports for Cyprus despite the protocol on customs union. According to Charles Grant, the director of the Center for European Reform, Russia and Turkey have much in common. Both states stand with one foot in Asia and the other in Europe. Both states doubt their European identity imposed by modernists and rejected by traditionalists.

The dissimilarity of the EU member states tie-up its actions tearing it between tough positions of some states and indulgence of the others. Actually both Russia and Turkey are nor 'suitable' partners and the ties between the two states have strengthened.

This reconciliation coincided with the consolidation of anti-European mood, which doesn't contribute resumption of dialogue. That is why the EU should find a way to resume trust relationship with both neighbors and Europeans will need mastership and decisiveness to come out of the deadlock. Be Turkey an EU member or not, the final goal of the Europeans is to create zones of peace and cooperation at the border with the Moslem world. Ankara and Moscow can play a significant role in realization of this plan but only in case they are deeply engaged in the European politics, reports InoSMI.