"In fact the successes against the Islamic State (Daesh) and the therein incipient stabilization of living conditions in Syria are thanks to Moscow's efforts. This opens up scope for enhanced communication and must be interpreted as a trust-building measure on the part of Moscow," said Hellmeyer.
The financial expert expressed optimism that relations between Russia and the EU, which were tested by the crisis in Ukraine, will improve in 2016 and lead to a lifting of sanctions.
"It (the relationship between Europe and Russia) can be normalized when an equal footing is ensured on both sides. Trust is not a digital phenomenon. It takes time to overcome the resulting loss of confidence."
DWN: Ökonom: Erfolge gegen ISIS sind dem Einsatz Moskaus zu verdanken: Folker Hellmeyer, Chefvolkswirt der Bremer… https://t.co/MTkiuznaz0
— M. Kleine-Hartlage (@Korrektheiten) 10 января 2016
'Economist: Successes against ISIS are thanks to Moscow's efforts,' DWN published its interview with Hollmayer.
Hellmeyer said that sanctions against Russia are based in a political desire that reflects the interests of third parties, and in some ways NATO, but are not in the best interests of the EU. He also criticized the EU's decision to offer an association agreement to Ukraine.
"I am confident that the first relaxation of the sanctions regime will be from mid-2016. The EU sanctions front has disintegrated before our eyes in the last few months," said the analyst.