The core of the book is based on results of an academic conference held by the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations and the Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences. Through the prism of the 2009 European Parliament elections, the authors examine the key problems of European integration, i.e. the lack of democratic legitimacy of supranational authorities, the clash of national interests of EU member states, the growing influence of parties and movements that represent an alternative to the traditional political establishment. Particular attention is paid to the international context of political processes in the EU — Brexit, growing uncertainty in EU–US relations, China’s spreading influence in Europe, as well as the sanctions standoff between the European Union and Russia.