EU warns Russia over trade 'threats' to ex-Soviet bloc, as Russia seeks to expand with Eurasian Unio - Polidicks

[QUOTE]The European Commission has warned Russia that it is "unacceptable" to use threats against ex-Soviet states which are seeking closer ties with the EU. The warning from EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele came after Russia banned imports of Moldovan wine and spirits, citing quality concerns. Mr Fuele said the EU had no such issues with Moldova's alcoholic drinks. Moldova called the Russian move unfair, echoing similar concerns in Ukraine and Armenia about Russian pressure. Russia is offering former Soviet republics a customs union - a partnership that Belarus and Kazakhstan have already joined. The Commission - the EU's executive - is preparing to sign association agreements with Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine in November. Such agreements are seen as key milestones towards eventual EU membership. But last week Armenia's President Serge Sarkisian said his country was interested in joining the Russian-led customs union. The Commission responded with concern, saying Armenia could not operate two different sets of trade rules. Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes to establish a future "Eurasian Union" - a trade bloc similar to the EU, but without the commitments to democratic values and open competition which are fundamental to EU membership.[/QUOTE] [url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24061556[/url]

If I remember correctly, Georgia is also interested in joining. It seems to me though that the Ukraine and Moldova will probably join the EU while Armenia is probably going to join the Eurasian Union. I'm sure it is only a matter of time before Russia gets all the other -stans although Uzbekistan doesn't seem too interested.

The Ukraine will never willingly join Russia. The entire history of the Ukraine when under Russian rule has been the history of the Ukrainians treated like shit and subject to genocide.

It seems that half of all European history is about Russia trying to take over eastern Europe, one way or another.

How would we even abbreviate "Eurasian Union"? EAU?

[QUOTE=_Kent_;42168236]How would we even abbreviate "Eurasian Union"? EAU?[/QUOTE] No, just EU so Russia can get some mistaken checks written to them :v:

[QUOTE=_Kent_;42168236]How would we even abbreviate "Eurasian Union"? EAU?[/QUOTE] PAC. [t]http://battlefieldinformer.com/gallery/files/1/battlefield2142desktopwallpaper3_original.jpg[/t]

[QUOTE=Sobotnik;42168209]The Ukraine will never willingly join Russia. The entire history of the Ukraine when under Russian rule has been the history of the Ukrainians treated like shit and subject to genocide.[/QUOTE] Our government loves Putin's cock so much that we will probably submit to the threats and join their trade union bullcrap none of this would happen if we still had our nukes

Moldova - Never forget.

[QUOTE=Laserbeams;42168321]Our government loves Putin's cock so much that we will probably submit to the threats and join their trade union bullcrap none of this would happen if we still had our nukes[/QUOTE] And or five people controlling your entire economy and wealth.

[QUOTE=Paul McCartney;42168469]And or five people controlling your entire economy and wealth.[/QUOTE] I'd rather have nukes, thanks

I'm once again reminded of that one Simpsons scene with Russia in the UN that nobody ever uploads to YouTube.

[QUOTE=goon165;42168272]PAC. [t]http://battlefieldinformer.com/gallery/files/1/battlefield2142desktopwallpaper3_original.jpg[/t][/QUOTE] Where is that from?

[QUOTE=Smooth Jazz;42169061]Where is that from?[/QUOTE] Battlefield 2142

[QUOTE=Emperor Scorpious II;42169077]Battlefield 2142[/QUOTE] The game with it's own Veteran's club comparable to Planetside.

What really bugs me is the EU is more than capable of following through on this threat. Russia has a GDP the size of Italy's and its military is both aging and poorly trained with a budget not much larger than the UK's. However, because of the way bullshit US media portrays it, the EU seems like the weaker one despite having literally every advantage you could think of on paper except for nukes and oil.

[QUOTE=amorax;42170308]What really bugs me is the EU is more than capable of following through on this threat. Russia has a GDP the size of Italy's and its military is both aging and poorly trained with a budget not much larger than the UK's. However, because of the way bullshit US media portrays it, the EU seems like the weaker one despite having literally every advantage you could think of on paper except for nukes and oil.[/QUOTE] The main difference is, Russia is one solid state while the EU is composed of a number of different, disagreeing states. While the EU as a whole is [I]capable[/I] of putting down Russia, it doesn't mean it necessarily will.

[QUOTE=amorax;42170308]What really bugs me is the EU is more than capable of following through on this threat. Russia has a GDP the size of Italy's and its military is both aging and poorly trained with a budget not much larger than the UK's. However, because of the way bullshit US media portrays it, the EU seems like the weaker one despite having literally every advantage you could think of on paper except for nukes and oil.[/QUOTE] ehhhh we have a reasonable amount of oil

[QUOTE=amorax;42170308]What really bugs me is the EU is more than capable of following through on this threat. Russia has a GDP the size of Italy's and its military is both aging and poorly trained with a budget not much larger than the UK's. However, because of the way bullshit US media portrays it, the EU seems like the weaker one despite having literally every advantage you could think of on paper except for nukes and oil.[/QUOTE] GDP PPP means more in real terms when it comes to power in Eastern Europe. They also have a sphere of influence etc, they used to control a superpower.. they're still powerful.

Eurasian Union sounds like the Soviet Union all over again

[QUOTE=amorax;42170308]its military is both aging and poorly trained[/QUOTE] With all the recent "rearming Russian military" programs going on, it's far from "aging". I also would like to know where people take "poorly trained" thing from. [QUOTE=amorax;42170308]with a budget not much larger than the UK's.[/QUOTE] [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_military_expenditures"]By not much larger you mean spending 30 more billions $$ on military than UK?[/url] [QUOTE=amorax;42170308]However, because of the way bullshit US media portrays it, the EU seems like the weaker one despite having literally every advantage you could think of on paper except for nukes and oil.[/QUOTE] Natural ressources such as gas is also coming from Russia to Europe. Russia can just cut those and Europe will be in really bad position. Also Russia has nuclear superiority at all levels compared to Europe which is a big advantage.

[QUOTE=_Kent_;42168236]How would we even abbreviate "Eurasian Union"? EAU?[/QUOTE] I'd personally go with the ED, seems oddly fitting.

[QUOTE=Zenreon117;42168346]Moldova - Never forget.[/QUOTE] word

[QUOTE=Emperor Scorpious II;42168235]It seems that half of all European history is about Russia trying to take over eastern Europe, one way or another.[/QUOTE] And the rest of it is about Western Europe scrambling over one another to take over the rest of the world. It's hilarious.

[QUOTE=goon165;42168272]PAC. [t]http://battlefieldinformer.com/gallery/files/1/battlefield2142desktopwallpaper3_original.jpg[/t][/QUOTE] You nailed it, man. I love 2142 too, is there more of those ?

When I read Eurasian I instantly thought of 1984. Not much of a comparison to be had other than the name, although this sounds similar to the Soviet Union.