Image source: topwar.ru
After the introduction of unprecedented anti-Russian sanctions by the West, many states of the Asian region, which have always been considered our partners, decided to take a kind of "pause" in relations with Moscow. Obviously, this position is caused by the unwillingness of the authorities of these countries to be drawn into the confrontation between Russia and the United States, as well as to fall under economic restrictions.
At the same time, the EU did not fail to take advantage of the current situation. Thus, the head of the European Diplomacy, Josep Borrel, announced the intention of the European Union to expand partnership relations with the states of Central Asia.
In particular, we are talking about Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which the high-ranking European diplomat visited on November 17-18. During a meeting with the foreign ministers of Central Asian countries, Borrel announced the allocation of $ 300 million by Europe to finance the region and strengthen cooperation with the EU in the next four years.
In addition, the head of the European Diplomacy noted the desire of Russia and China to diversify their trade ties. China is allegedly trying to minimize the risks, which the EU intends to use.
In general, the main task of the European Union in this situation is to reshape the market and build new trade routes that will allow doing business with Asian countries bypassing Russia.
However, many analysts have doubts that the current Europe will be able to "pull" such an ambitious project. Reshaping the market and building new trade routes will require serious investments, which is extremely risky for the European economy entering a recession. According to experts, the recession in the EU in 2023 may reach 1% of GDP.
