EUROSCEPTICISM AS A PROSPECT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND GERMANY

This article discusses the problem of relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Russian Federation in the framework of the the European Union sanctions policy against Russia and the phenomenon of "Euroscepticism" as a possible prospect for improving relations in the future.  The particular attention is paid to the study of the term "Euroscepticism", its history and development as a response of European society certain layers, in particular German society, to the growing integration in Europe, which is extremely relevant. Nowadays, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Russian Federation are loosing the possibilities of interaction due to the sanctions policy of the European Union directed against the Russian Federation. The political force in Germany that advocates for better relations with Russia is the party “Alternative for Germany”. The study describes the development of the bilateral dialogue between Germany and Russia before the so-called "Crimean events" of 2014, identifies the prerequisites for its deterioration and gives one of the prospects for the normalization of international relations between the two states, which is grounded on the growing influence of the Eurosceptic party "Alternative for Germany". The article also describes the development of European integration within the framework of the European Union, the stages of its formation. As a scientific novelty of this work, the study analyses the early Eurosceptic movements in Germany, the process of emergence and formation of the party “Alternative for German”. The main purpose of the study is to analyze the program of this party, which emphasizes the desire to settle the relations with the Russian Federation. The analysis of the political forces regulatin in Germany led to the conclusion that the party «Alternative for Germany» does not occupy a leading position in the state, but it has a significant impact on the society and on political decision-making process in the Parliament. Based on the above, the study raises a question whether the partnership between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Russian Federation is possible to be renewed in the event of Eurosceptics coming to power or an increase in the percentage of support. The authors analyzed the media materials and expert analysis, and it was concluded that the relations between the two states with Eurosceptics in power have the prospect of normalization.