Verklaring Van Rompuy na EU-Rusland top (en)

EUROPEAN COUNCIL Nizhny Novgorod, 10 June 2011 PCE 0146/11 THE PRESIDENT

Remarks by Herman VAN ROMPUY i President of the European Council at the press conference following the EU-Russia Summit

Thank you for bringing us to this historical city of Nizhny Novgorod in "deep" Russia. I am glad that we had the possibility to both experience the magic of the sunset over Volga last evening, and to have a substantial and successful summit today.

This has been our third summit since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. The EU-Russia relationship is enjoying its best dynamics for years. We can build on a track record of strengthened trust and constructive dialogue.

Our objective today was to follow-up on commitments made last December in Brussels, and also to advance a number of issues of common interest.

President Medvedev gave a comprehensive overview of our discussions, so allow me to touch upon only a few points:

First, modernisation. This is an issue which is fully supported by the EU, President Barroso will go further in detail on the Partnership for Modernisation.

Modernisation is a broad and diverse agenda: promoting people-to-people contacts and mobility are central features in its social aspects for instance via visa free travel. We are, therefore, pleased with the progress of negotiations on an agreement on the common steps approach for visa liberalisation.

Russia's WTO-accession is another building block of modernisation and of great strategic importance even for the EU. I welcome President Medvedev's personal commitment in making this happen and I can confirm political will to reach agreement on the outstanding issues.

Respect for human rights is a deeply engrained point of reference in our countries' public opinions. Russia's record of implementing the universal principles of human rights is an important element shaping its European public reputation. Despite the personal engagements and initiatives of President Medvedev there are still strong concerns in our Member States and among the European public about the situation of human rights.

The upcoming elections in Russia in December and in March next year are going to be an issue of high interest in Europe. Respect for the international obligations and political pluralism will be key in this respect.

I expressed my hope that Russia will cooperate with the ODIHR and early on extend to them an invitation to monitor these elections.

Second, on the global economy, we exchanged views on the economic situation in both Russia and the EU. Regarding the EU, our economy is clearly on the path of recovery.

However, market tensions remain high, reflecting concerns about the situation in a number of countries. Three countries (Greece, Portugal and Ireland) that have been under heavy market pressures are now under program jointly supported by the EU and the IMF.

At the same time it is important to put things into perspective: the combined share of Greece, Ireland and Portugal is a mere 6% of the euro area GDP

Third, Foreign Policy and Security. Our cooperation on crisis management is a positive feature in our bilateral relationship, but we both know that we still have a lot of unused potential. We agreed to generate new momentum by moving forward more decisively. We are aiming for a Framework Agreement on Crisis Management by the next summit. That means, before the end of this year.

We had a good discussion on the strategic transformation taking place in Europe's Southern neighbourhood. I expressed my appreciation for the constructive role Russia and personally President Medvedev played in handling this rather complex affair. We have shared interests. It is in our common interest that the countries in the region move in the direction of more democracy and rule of law, of social justice and fair economic opportunities.

On the Middle East Peace Process, we confirmed our shared view on the importance of the earliest resumption of talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. We also called for a ministerial meeting of the Quartett to be held as soon as possible.

And on Libya we are also aligned: Kaddaffi must go, we need a process of democratic transition; an inclusive consultation process on a new Constitution and elections. The Libyan people should decide on their leadership, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya must be respected.

Finally, on the regional issues on the European continent. I think we have an opportunity to achieve significant progress towards resolving the open issues in Moldova/Transnistria.

Let me also recall the EU's position of continued support for the security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and of full implementation of the Six-point agreement of 12 August 2008, as well as its implementing measures.

We have a shared concern over the risks related to the unresolved conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, and we are equally interested in reducing the escalating tensions in that region. I expressed my appreciation to President Medvedev's efforts to move towards a solution and confirmed the EU's commitment.

Again, Mr President, Thank you for your hospitality and for your constructive approach on strengthening the strategic partnership between the EU and Russia. Thank you for your openness to find a solution for the ban on vegetables coming from the EU.

I look forward to seeing you in Brussels for the next EU-Russia summit before the end of this year -

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  no Volga there, but probably a small river in a small country.

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Video coverage of the trips and meetings will be available for download in broadcast quality from the Council TV newsroom http://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu

Photos covering the event will be available for download in high resolution from the Council Photo Library http://www.consilium.europa.eu/photo

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