The Russian factor in EU integration process of Baltic countries

In this thesis, I try to discuss Russia's effect on Baltic states's EU integration process in scope of Russia's regional priorities. After the independence of the Baltic states on the last quarter of 20th century, the countries seeked to EU and NATO membership and save their past from Soviet history. However, Russia has always been a major factor in the development of Baltic States. After the collapse of Soviet Union international system has changed. The USA has announced its hegemony. There was discussion about international system are becoming unipolar. Soon, the system turned into multipolar system with the efforts of major global powers. The EU has expanded its sphere of influence by inclusion of post Soviet countries to the union. At the same time NATO opened its doors to theb post-Soviet countries. Russia also seeks to reatin its political and economic influence on -Soviet region. In 2004, both EU and NATO enlargement on the Baltic countries came true. In the integration process the countries challenged by Russia related conflicts such as minorities and border problems. Power shift on Baltic region has increased importance of the region for Russia. The tension on the Russia-EU border is escalating because of militarization and security concerns. The thesis concludes with an analysis of perspectives for Russia related threats and challenges to the Baltic states. Key Words: Russia, Baltic region, European Union, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, NATO, Russian threat, Baltic security