Germany and Russia are natural complementary strategic partners, our developing relations are good for both countries and good for a more stable Europe. We both have many economic and social areas where we can increase mutual cooperation and trade, building a very firm economic interdependence. We need modernise many of our manufacturing assets and infrastructure. Germany has superb, world renowned products to offer, backed by their world class engineering acumen. In addition Germany has an environment and orgaisation that is worth using as an input into our future vector of development. Many people in Russia would be more than happy with German standards of living and society. We don't need copy, but it is good input. Finally Germany together with France, Italy and Spain, will form the stabilising force in Europe, one that will be able to build equitable relations with Russia, So Russia is dealing with the future European bosses, which is the right thing to do.

Westerwelle-Lavrov = Ribbentropp-Molotov? I have serious concerns about what will happen with those countries in between. Never anything good for those came from German-Russian cooperation.

"Finally Germany together with France, Italy and Spain, will form the stabilising force in Europe, one that will be able to build equitable relations with Russia, So Russia is dealing with the future European bosses, which is the right thing to do." Count Cash > While there isnt any offense or harm ment in your text, i would like to point out that this might sound a little bit offensive for some Europeans. For example; I, as a Dutch man, don't consider France, Germany, Italy or Spain to be a boss. That's just not European thinking. We (at least me, and a lot of my European friends) dont think in terms of 'bosses'. But if you are looking for a country that can be seen as having a leading role within the EU ... yes, while I won't scream it out loud, i agree that Germany is one of the big boys in Europe. And we let them be. This is purely because of their history, their qualities and finally, their experience. Their relation with the Russian Federation proves my point(s). The other countries you mention also share a great deal of experience and unique skills/characteristics. But, for example, to call Italy a 'boss', or 'one of the bosses'? You might wanna think that over.... nevertheless; great perspective, and I share many, many, of your views. cheers Count Cash. regards, Sebastiaan

Germany as a nation of superior genes to co-create incredible works cannot be challenged. This is true of every "country" on earth, however. BUT, Germany has been its own Phoenix rising from the ashes and also, learned the dark night of the soul lesson - toxic shame. (one of my lineages is from a small village in Germany where the entirety of ART, CRAFTS, etc. was from the family, the "Merts"). Has wisdom prevailed in Germany and Russia? Now that the time has turned the tide from old ways of thinking into the newer higher intelligent?? When an ARTHUR DOVE of America was pre-Kandinsky!! Unfortunately, corruption in the human species of worshiping (1) money/power; (2) substances of poisonous elixir-like faux god delusions of grandeur ingesting; (3) sex; (4) enlightenment ... .... IN THIS ORDER, we must examine our world and wonder. Producing a monumental task of brain power goal seeking/problem solving and with the beings of humans continuing to THINK (oxymoron) that somehow the all is not connected -- How many more DARK AGES do we do before we see the light?

Sebastiaan, Having business links with Dutch companies, especially the one with sense and simplicity, I really do undertsand that Dutch people do not like the concept of a boss and indeed most things are achieved correctly, not through a single big boss, but in a committe forum. But I look to what a boss does, and that is put some accepted regulation on your activities in return for some reward. Now let's look at Europe from two angles, from within and extrenally (A Russian perspective). Now internally I see that the EU will become more of a single entity. With single rules; no matter how you look at it, in the end this is going to come down to a set of rules, governed by the majority of people, indeed some would call it a democratic approach. But what will this really mean, well to be blunt, in the end it will mean that those with the most people, will have the biggest say. The national agendas will never go away, they will just be advanced more forcefully based simply on numbers of people. People will try to resist, but in the end will not be able to, because these players have the Economic tools to make the EU 'democratic' which in turn means that their nations will dominate. They will even cry anti-democratic foul, if it isn't allowed to happen. So in the end the big players do unfortunately become the bosses, and the smaller nations and cultures suffer. There will be complication as Britain becomes the opposition with its eastern friends. But either way, it is not going to be a happy Europe, safeguarding the national traditions and rights of the smaller nations. It will just become an EUSSR. Now look externally with a Russian perspective, Europe is split into old Europe which Russia can have a good relationship with and new eastern Europe which is spoiling for a fight. So it is in Russia's interest to see old Europe take control of new eastern Europe. Unfortunately the side effect is as above, with great smaller European nations trampled. Cheers

France, Germany, Spain and Italy will not be the stabilising force in Europe In fact they will be a destabilising force. There are 27 countries in the EU, those countries will never allow themselves to be dominated by France, Germany, Spain and Italy (old Europe), The EU is built on compromise, bargaining and sophisticated balances of power, the cross-national, centre-right and centre-left political party groups that dominate the European parliament. will hold the power New Europe, led by Poland, will form a very effective counter balance.(no side will be able to rely on British) New Europe can, if it was required or neccessary rely on the external support of the US

Russia-Germany: strategic partners in Europe and Asia: Great news!!! The power of USA over Europe is about to END. American troops and bases have no bussiness in Europe, their existence is an act of occupation and they must be kicked out of Europe. Europe does not belong to USA.

Ergatis, Yes the US will need to work hard to try to derail Europe economically and keep its occupying presence. It will continue trying to disrupt Germany, France's ...energy supplies for maximum economic impact to them, while building up military presence with the 'eastern hatred island'. So it is going to be an interesting game going forward, the EU wil be using its 'dark side' political unifying force, which could be iressistable. If it isn't there will be division in Europe. Two choices then a unified Europe with good relations with Russia, or a unified Europe with good relations with Russia plus a separate 'eastern hatred Island'. But the former must take the betting, because without the European big boys, there are no grants, no loans .... A pretty miserable economic reality for a US satellite island, especially with the US economy as it is. Money talks! it always does!

They don't want money. They want control. Money is just a mere pretext to cover their bloodlust. It is a "game" for control since the begining of 20th century. A Europe in poverty and seediness is a better "ally" for USA than a strong and rich Europe...