Rusland-EU Top op 21 mei van start (en)
The first Summit between the enlarged European Union of 25 Member States and Russia, on 21 May in Moscow, is also the first high-level meeting following the successful conclusion of negotiations between the European Commission and Russia on the extension of the EU-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) to the ten new EU Member States. The Summit will call for the reinforcement of EU-Russia relations via the creation of four 'common spaces': a common economic space (with specific reference to environment and energy); a space of freedom, security and justice, a space of cooperation in the field of external security; as well as a space of research and education, including culture. The Summit could mark the conclusion of the EU-Russia bilateral deal for Russia's entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
On 21 May, President Putin will host the first EU-Russia summit following the historic enlargement of the EU. The EU will be represented by Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and European Commission President Romano Prodi, accompanied by External Relations and Trade Commissioners, Chris Patten and Pascal Lamy. The Summit follows the adoption by the Commission of a Communication with Russia on 9 February(1), which recognised the interdependence of the EU and Russia and which called for the intensification of cooperation. It also follows the European Commission historic visit of 22-23 April 2004 to Moscow to meet with the Russian President and Government.
The Summit will welcome the EU's expansion, underline the opportunities created by the enlargement for EU-Russia relations, following the extension of the EU-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to the new EU Member States, and confirm their shared wish to create a new Europe without dividing lines. The Summit will also take note of the joint statement on "EU Enlargement and EU-Russia relations", addressing Russian concerns over the impact of enlargement, adopted on 27 April(2).
Discussions will focus on the creation of the EU-Russia common spaces, as agreed at the St. Petersburg Summit in June 2003, and on the launch of the EU-Russia Permanent Partnership Council, which met for the first time on 27 April but which will in future bring together the EU Troika of Ministers and Russia on all key matters of mutual interest. Permanent Partnership Councils on Justice and Home Affairs issues and on environment issues will be scheduled.
Common economic space
In the context of work to create the common economic space, the Summit will reconfirm the commitment of the EU and Russia to pursue economic integration and regulatory convergence, to put in place the conditions for increased and diversified EU/Russia trade and investment. The common economic space is also expected to provide a framework for reinforced cooperation on transport, telecommunications and energy.
The Summit could mark the conclusion of the EU-Russia bilateral deal for Russia's entry into the WTO. Both sides will hold a further meeting on the eve of the EU-Russia summit on 20 May 2004 in Moscow, with a view to concluding a final package which could then be adopted during the summit.
The EU will also call for increased cooperation on environmental matters, including speedy ratification by Russia of the Kyoto protocol. Ratifying the Protocol will benefit Russia, notably by encouraging the modernisation of Russia's energy sector and facilitating continued high rates of economic growth. It will significantly enhance prospects for economic cooperation between the Russian and EU private sectors. It would also help Russia to improve energy efficiency through the transfer of modern technology. In this way, it would make Russian industry more competitive and more able to compete on a level playing field, once industrial energy prices increase.
Common space on freedom, security and justice
In the context of work to create the common space of freedom, security and justice, the EU will recall the common values which underpin EU-Russia relations (democracy, human rights and rule of law). The EU will note its readiness to support genuine efforts to find a peaceful, lasting settlement in Chechnya and request improved conditions for the delivery of humanitarian aid. It will also flag the importance of work on Justice and Home Affairs including implementation of the Europol-Russia agreement, the conclusion of negotiations on readmission as well as signature and ratification of outstanding border agreements with Estonia and Latvia. The EU will also look forward to the launch of EU-Russia negotiations on visa facilitation as a first step towards the creation of a visa-free regime in the long term.
Common space on external security
In taking forward work on the common space of external security, the EU will recall the shared responsibility of the enlarged EU and Russia for international order based on effective multilateralism, press for increased cooperation to promote stability in the EU-Russia common neighbourhood, including in Moldova and Georgia, and welcome cooperation to combat new threats, including terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, for which Russia and the EU share responsibility at both global and regional level.
Common space on research, education and culture
Finally, in the context of work to create a common space of research and education, including culture, the EU will call for stepped-up cooperation on science and technology, education and culture, including Russian participation in EU education exchange programmes.
Further information on the EU's relations with Russia
http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/russia/intro/index.htm
(1) HYPERLINK "http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/04/187|0|RAPID&lg=EN&display=" IP/04/187 Commission calls for the strengthening of EU-Russia relations.
(2) HYPERLINK "http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/04/549|0|RAPID&lg=EN&display=" IP/04/549 EU and Russia confirm the extension of the PCA to the enlarged EU.