The EU’s Northern Dimension: Blurring Frontiers between Russia and the EU North?

Whereas the dual enlargements of NATO and the EU have tended to sharpen the distinction between Russia and the EU, the EU’s Northern Dimension (ND) has encouraged a blurring of the frontiers between Russia and the northern members of the EU and the wider European Economic Area. This article briefly sets out the history of the ND, sum-marising its most important specific characteristics and also features the role of regional organisations and other actors in the policy. This is followed by an overview of recent developments and meetings leading to a new ND. A detailed analysis of the ND’s future perspectives, setting out its strengths and weaknesses, is conducted. A special emphasis is placed on Russia’s role within the ND. Finally, the ND and the issue of borders in Northern Europe is considered, with the contention that the special nature of the ND could be lost should it be used as an instrument subservient to the wider EU-Russian relationship.