EU-commissaris Frattini verwacht veel van justitie-samenwerking met Rusland (en)

Vice-President Franco Frattini i, Commissioner responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, participated today in the meeting of the EU-Russia Permanent Partnership Council (PPC) in the Justice and Home Affairs format. The meeting welcomed recent achievements in the EU-Russia cooperation and looked forward to progress in several areas.

EU-Russia cooperation has made progress in all three chapters of the Common Space on Freedom, Security and Justice, which was agreed upon during the EU-Russia Summit in May 2005. On the occasion of the PPC, Mr Frattini noted: "I am glad to note that the cooperation between EU and Russia in the field of Justice, Freedom and Security has become such an important component of our strategic partnership. I am committed to continuously develop this extensive cooperation on the basis of common values."

On the freedom chapter, the PPC participants agreed that the EU-Russia visa dialogue to examine the conditions for visa-free travel as a long term perspective will be shortly taken forward with expert meetings on registration procedures for foreigners, document security and illegal migration. Mr Frattini also welcomed the recent ratification of the Latvia-Russia border treaty and discussions between Frontex and Russia on future joint activities.

In line with the EU's counter-terrorism strategy, Mr Frattini stressed the need to cooperate with Russia, particularly on issues related to radicalisation and terrorism recruitment. He encouraged the European Police College to continue work with Russian authorities with a view to a cooperation agreement and hoped that all requirements are soon in place for Europol and Eurojust to conclude agreements with Russia.

As regards justice issues, the EU delegation, including also the Portuguese and Slovenian Ministers of the Interior and Justice, emphasised to Presidential Aide Viktor Ivanov that the EU looks forward to strengthened judicial cooperation in criminal matters and further informal talks on civil and commercial matters.

The joint press conference of the PPC participants will take place on Friday, 23 November, at 12h45 in the press room of Justus Lipsius. [please check the details with the Council services.]

For further information on the activities of Vice-President Frattini, please visit his website at:

http://www.ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/frattini/index_en.htm