Criticism of Russia will get you nowhere, since Russian interests are a very high priority on the EU. van der Linden is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to expressions of interest regarding business ventures etc into Russia. It doesn't start and stop with people like Shroeder-although he was probably the most outspoken minister for Russian interests to be held high on the EU's agenda. Needless to say, there are hundreds of other EU ministers who pass laws giving the green light to bilateral business ventures with Russia. van der Linden is completely consistent in his attitude towards Russia. There is nothing unusual for those people in the know.

Väga ilusti öeldud Jorgen. Aitäh.

Let me add this much. I think it is absolutely necessary to take all prevailing channels open to Estonia to criticize Russia, but unfortunately for those people who don't live in Europe, it is difficult to comprehend how accomodating the EU is towards Europe. It the perhaps the equivalent analogy of the US criticizing China, but all along accomodating China's interests by way of the most favoured nation treaty. There ain't a heck of a lot to do in cases like this, and certainly it does begin to make people cynical about the times we live in. Or maybe you are happy with the China-US; EU-Russia axis of interests??