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The Russian oblast’ (meaning ‘region’ in Russian) of Kaliningrad has gained significance in recent years. It is located where Russia is exposed not just to the forces of European integration but also to globalisation at large. The oblast’ also stands out as a special case because of its geographic separation from the rest of Russia. It is cut off from the mainland by three foreign states, Belarus, Lithuania and Poland, which exacerbates Kaliningrad’s political, economic, security and psychological challenges. More importantly, in the next few years when Poland and Lithuania accede to the European Union (EU), Kaliningrad will become not just a Russian oblast’ outside Russia but also a Russian oblast’ geographically within the EU. Its problems will become EU’s problems too and EU actions will have a huge impact upon Kaliningrad.

The Baltic States’ search for security became a major issue after their independence in 1991. Since then these States have been trying to establish links with Europe and perceive Russia as a major threat. Their aspirations for the NATO membership are based on their security perspective. Baltic States are engaged in trying to upgrade their armed forces, solve their territorial and ethnic disputes to meet the NATO membership criteria. As regards relationship with Russia, there are problems on number of issues and they are trying to resolve them, as a normal friendly relationship between them will be beneficial for both sides.