The “Russian Issue” in transnational governance of the Baltic Sea environment: Analysis of drivers and constraints of Russia's participation

Abstract This paper aims to increase understanding on Russia's governance of the Baltic Sea environment in general, and the drivers and constraints of Russia's participation in the HELCOM cooperation in particular. The drivers and constraints of Russian implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan are analyzed as a case study. The findings indicate that the main regulatory framework is in place but financing is still inadequate. While the main drivers of implementation of the BSAP relate to the physical factors, such as poor condition of the wastewater treatment facilities, the main constraints of the implementation are economic and politico-administrative in character.