在普京总统任期内，俄罗斯发生了明显的去民主化，对车臣和格鲁吉亚战火连连，这使得欧盟对俄罗斯的态度越来越谨慎，对双方实质关系的前景也不再像以前那样乐观。
Thus, the European Security Strategy, adopted in 2004, says only that, “we should continue to work for closer relations with Russia, a major factor in our security and prosperity. Respect for common values will reinforce progress towards a strategic partnership.”