But what are Russia’s chances of being accepted by the current EU members? As one analyst puts it, the seeming bonhomie between Russia and the EU is “only skin deep.” And several EU members have expressed the wish that Russia stay a separate global power, remaining one of the poles of the world alongside the United States and China. As of now, at least Russia has Austria on its side. Despite a $3 billion debt owed by the Kremlin to his country, Austria’s Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel supports Russia’s desire to join wholeheartedly. The only country to gain from all this is Turkey. It’s not the longest shot for EU membership anymore.
