Than why did Germany back Poland’s claim to access EU in 2004?
Ummm.....don't get me started... :)
But I don't think it was the EU, it might have been Poland becoming a member of the NATO what had Russia up the fence.
In case you have forgotten it but it was a deal that for the Sovietunion to dissolve and peacefully to retreat from central Europe
that the West would make no moves which would feel threating to Russia - means no further NATO enlargement, no encirclement by the NATO.
Something the West trampled on again and again whenever he could, the last try with Georgia in April.
(But some members had a better sense than that and showed the US their finger!)But back to the point, should we avoid annoying Russia at all costs or only when the Americans are concerned?
It should be a case to case - decision every time. Peace and cooperation in Europe has to be the priority.
We have to accept and to take into account russian sensitivities and they have to accept and to take into account european sensitivities.
It's a give and take!