Moscow, November 4, 2024 – The Europe Today: The Russian Foreign Ministry has rebranded its Department of European Cooperation (DEC) as the Department of European Problems (DEP), signaling a shift in tone amid strained relations with Europe. This change, updated on the ministry’s website earlier this week and reported by Russian media on Saturday, sees the word “cooperation” replaced by “problems” in the department’s name, although its core functions remain unchanged.
The DEP will continue to address issues involving international European organizations, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe, the EU, and NATO. Notably, the rebranding is currently reflected only in the Russian version of the website, with the department still labeled the ‘Department of European Cooperation’ in the English, French, and German versions.
Relations between Moscow and European institutions have worsened since 2014, following Crimea’s referendum to reunite with Russia. Tensions intensified after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, with the EU supporting Ukraine militarily and financially. Russia withdrew from the Council of Europe last year, arguing that the body had been co-opted by Western interests, and has referred to EU member states as “unfriendly” while labeling NATO a hostile force.
Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the challenges in EU relations during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in July, stating that ties were “at their lowest point.” In August, Moscow further criticized the OSCE, describing it as in “a crisis situation” due to ongoing rifts among member states on fundamental issues.
The rebranding reflects Russia’s acknowledgment of the mounting “problems” it faces in its relationship with Europe, underscoring the broader geopolitical tensions at play.
