The Current State and the Prospects of the Russian-Spanish Relations in Politics and Economy: Commonalities and Variations

Abstract

The article reviews the current relationship between Russia and Spain in the sphere of politics and economy. The modern political and economic relations between Russia and Spain have resulted largely from the general European trends, but at the same time they are distinguished by the desire to build closer partnership. The trade relations between Russia and Spain are quite strong. Now the two countries are returning the pre-crisis levels. The author provides the volume of trade and the economic cooperation in different spheres data and analyzes the existing strategies of trade flows preserving after the imposition of sanctions. In the politics it is also important for Spain to prioritize. The future of the relations between Russia and Spain are based on the ability to accommodate the interest of both countries and to maintain political dialogue. The historical parallels and the absence of major political incidents between Russia and Spain contribute to the bilateral cooperation between them. Spain is one of those EU countries that have positive attitude towards Russia and want to build and maintain dialogue. Also Spain supports simplification of visa regulations between Russia and the EU. The author considers the future of Russia-Spain relations to be positive and having tendencies for trade flows and number of Spanish businesses increase and the consolidation of diplomatic relations.