Toespraak Eurocommissaris Ferrero-Waldner over EU-Rusland betrekkingen: uitdagend maar essentieel (en)

EP Plenary Debate on EU/Russia

Strasbourg, 21 October

Honourable Members of the European Parliament

Dear Friends

The European Union’s relationship with Russia is one of the most challenging of our times. On the one hand we see a complex web of joint activities, and interwoven interests. On the other we see the backdrop of events in Georgia.

The European Council has asked for a review of EU/Russia relations, and this reflection takes place in the context of events which have cast a serious shadow over the EU Russia relationship: the violation of Georgia's territorial integrity with the use of force, and Russia's unilateral recognition of Abkhazia and south Ossetia. These remain unacceptable, and we cannot share the principles of foreign policy recently articulated in Moscow, including the resurgence of spheres of influence.

So, the ongoing review has to make a rather sober assessment of the EU's own self-interest in this relationship.

Yet at the same time, economic and trade relations between the EU and Russia are strong and getting stronger. Russia is already our third most important trading partner and we see growth rates of up to 20% a year. Energy is a major factor, but there is impressive growth in services too. With its recent high growth rates and emerging middle class, Russia is an important emerging market right on our doorstep that offers opportunities for EU businesses, notwithstanding the effects of the present financial crisis. The EU is a major investor in Russia, accounting for 80% of cumulative foreign investment. A significant share of Russian foreign reserves are in euro, making Russia one of the largest holders of euro-denominated assets in the world. For all these reasons, we have a stake in the continuing growth of the Russian economy. And in supporting Russia’s quest for modernization, including the development of a truly independent judiciary, able to enforce contracts. This is in line with the emphasis which President Medvedev has placed on the importance of the rule of law in Russia.

The security of energy supply and demand is a key component of our relationship. EU Member States are major buyers of Russian energy products and this is unlikely to change in the short to medium term. But the relationship is one of interdependence, not dependence. Exports to the EU have made an important contribution to the impressive growth rates Russia has seen over the past 5-6 years. Nevertheless, a great deal of work has yet to be done to build up a genuine energy partnership based on the principles enshrined in the Energy Charter Treaty, namely transparency, reciprocity and non-discrimination.

Even more importantly, Russia is a key geopolitical actor, whose constructive involvement in international affairs is a necessary precondition for an effective international community. We therefore engage on Iran, the Middle East, Afghanistan, the Balkans and elsewhere, as well as in multilateral fora. We also have a common interest in pursuing the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In all these areas cooperation is not always easy, but we need to continue.

Greater cooperation in the area of Freedom, Security and Justice is helping to tackle threats posed by challenges such as terrorism and organized crime.

It is through dialogue that we have built up that we are able to discuss areas like Human Rights. Consultations are taking place, indeed, in Paris today. We will once again remind Russia of its commitments as a member of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, particularly regarding freedom of the press, and the events unfolding in Ingushetia as well as other human rights issues.

For us it is clear: Europe upholds values and established norms of international conduct and we stand by these in all circumstances. These include respect of territorial integrity and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The European Council has noted with satisfaction that Russian troops have withdrawn from the zones adjacent to South Ossetia and Abkhazia as an essential step to implementing the 6 point plan.

Talks in Geneva were launched last week, and this was another important step forward. There is, of course, a great deal more to do.

Tomorrow I will host the Donors' Conference for Georgia to mobilize funding for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, reintegration of internally displaced people and to accelerate Georgia's economic recovery from the conflict. In cooperation with the Parliament I intend to devote up to €500 million for this purpose and I should like to express my thanks to the Chairs of the Budget and Foreign Affairs Committees who have written to me expressing their support for this.

The review of EU/Russia relations which the European Council has requested will present a comprehensive overview of the many strands of the relationship – from our efforts to support Russia's accession to the WTO to visa facilitation, customs co-operation, educational exchanges and co-operation in scientific research. This review should guide us in approaching all our current activities with Russia, and those which are currently on hold. It should be discussed at the next GAERC on 10 November at which I hope we will be able to find the right understanding on pursuing negotiations for the New EU/Russia Agreement.

I say this because I know of no better way to pursue our own interests, and make our concerns listened to.

On the other hand, we must not behave as though nothing has happened. In all that we must ensure that we make a very clear-eyed assessment of our goals, and ensure that the EU stands behind these goals as a united force.

It is perhaps fitting that we hold this debate today, on the eve of tomorrow's international donors' conference that I will preside over with the World Bank and the French and Czech current and future presidencies.

The EU will continue to play its role, as we have done throughout this crisis, as a constructive, reliable partner, guided by its values and making a decisive contribution to stability, and to peace.

I thank you for your attention.