EU-Rusland top gaat van start (en)

The 25th EU-Russia Summit takes place in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on 31 May-1 June. The Summit, the first one with Russia under the Lisbon Treaty, will see discussions on the global financial and economic crisis, climate change after Copenhagen and energy security. It will launch the concrete priorities of the new EU-Russia Partnership for Modernisation, and will discuss international foreign policy issues and European regional topics. The Summit will be hosted by President Medvedev i. The EU will be represented by the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy i and the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso i. High Representative/Vice President Catherine Ashton i and Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht i will also attend.

The agenda of the Summit on June 1 includes discussion on responses to the global financial and economic crisis, climate change, and energy security. Discussions on bilateral EU-Russia relations are likely to focus on the new EU-Russia Partnership for Modernisation, which was first discussed at the Stockholm Summit. The operational launch of this Partnership with a concrete set of priorities is an opportunity for the EU and Russia to build on the achievements made in implementing the four common spaces, and will further encourage growth and increase competitiveness.

The Partnership is a joint commitment to deliver on common challenges in a balanced and result-oriented approach, based on democracy and the rule of law. The Summit will also discuss trade relations, including Russia’s early accession to the World Trade Organisation, which the EU continues to support. Joining the WTO is also an important stepping stone towards deeper bilateral trade relations with the EU under a comprehensive new agreement. The EU and Russia will also reiterate their commitment to the long-term objective of bilateral visa free travel and will decide to start work on a list of common steps towards visa-free travel regime.

The leaders will also discuss a number of international questions, including foreign policy issues like Iranian nuclear programme, the Middle East, Afghanistan/Pakistan, European security, as well as regional issues in Europe and the Southern Caucasus. Crisis management cooperation, as well as the common neighbourhood will also be addressed.

The Summit will be preceded by an informal dinner for the leaders on 31 May, hosted by President Medvedev.