Despite high level declarations about the importance of deeper relations between Russia and the EU, the cooperation is developing slowly. Four common spaces for deeper cooperation have been identified. Of these, the cooperation within 'the Common Space of External Security' harbours maybe the largest difficulties. This report looks at Russian policy and perceptions of the relations with the EU in the field of external security. Where and by whom are decisions on these relations taken in Russia? Which are the Russian security policy interests in relations to the EU? How does Russia view the European Security and Defence Policy and the EU engagement in the European neighbourhood? The report also analyses how Russia views the prospects for cooperation within the Common Space for External Security.