Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands

Traditionally the Benelux countries have been regarded as strong supporters of European integration. At the same time, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg all have export-orientated economies that are strongly dependent on global economic developments. Pursuing business opportunities is thus a substantial part of their diplomatic activity. This chapter explores how, in their relations with Russia, these factors have evolved, how they balance out and under which circumstances the Benelux countries decide to pursue their objectives alone, rather than at EU level. In other words, in their relations with Russia, does a bilateral approach prevail over a preference for EU-co-ordinated policies?