MEPs and Russians abroad spell out the challenges for the next five years after Putin’s election victory.

Putin's victory: The view in Brussels

A defining moment for Russia  and for first-time voter Artyom Archipov.

Russian tradition demands  he’s rewarded for his troubles.

In an election in which Vladimir Putin  won almost 64 percent support,

the votes of Belgium’s small expat  community will not have been decisive.

Nonetheless, they speak  with a clear voice on the future.

The most important thing is that living  standards are raised across the country.

Europe just can’t exist without Russia.

For Europe to continue and grow,  it needs the support of Russia.

because we have a long and ancient history  between Europe and Russia.

Relations between Russia and the EU  are beset with problems over energy,

According to some MEPs,  things just got worse.

I think that more and more  people in Russia will be fed up

with this authoritarian way  Putin is showing.

Putin now has a big chance to overcome  these difficulties, to have a new presidency.

My proposal is that in the contacts we have  we put them on a lower level.

Secondly, that we do not recognise the  Duma delegation in the Council of Europe,

to keep pressure on Russia  to go on the path of democratisation.

Elena Chiganova has been living  in Brussels for 13 years

Russians and their European partners  expect action on Russia’s pressing issues

from the economy and corruption  to the democratic deficit.