Recently, trade relations are having more impact on global political development. Nowadays, commerce and making profits seems to be of higher priority than diplomatic standoff and political confrontation. Today, the tension in East Europe has almost reached the boiling point and some experts do not rule out the scenario of large-scale hostilities. Despite the escalating conflict, policy makers are capable to negotiate new free trade zones. So, they stick to the principle stated in the slightly paraphrased proverb, “You can postpone a war but never a deal.” Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel supports a common economic area between the European Union and the trade bloc of former Soviet Republics pushed by the Kremlin, provided that the separatist crisis in Ukraine is resolved. During the official visit to Budapest, Frau Merkel agreed on some points with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban who had pursued stronger business ties with Russia. Earlier, the German media reported that German policy makers and entrepreneurs express readiness for economic cooperation with Russia. “We first need a peaceful and, above all, fair solution as regards Ukraine with Russia,” Angela Merkel said at a news conference on her visit to Budapest. Besides, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini noted benefit for the EU to create the conditions for a free trade zone "from Lisbon to Vladivostok."
