EU-Rusland top (Jekaterinenburg, 3-4 juni 2013) (en)

European Commission

Press release

Brussels, 31 May 2013

EU-Russia Summit (Yekaterinburg, 3-4 June 2013)

The next European Union-Russian Federation Summit will take place on 3 and 4 June in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The EU will be represented by Herman Van Rompuy i, President of the European Council, and by José Manuel Barroso i, President of the European Commission. Catherine Ashton i, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission and Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger i will also take part. Russia will be represented by President Vladimir Putin i, accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and several other Russian ministers.

"This summit will be a most useful opportunity to take stock of the very broad EU-Russia relationship, covering topical issues such as modernisation, visas and mobility, and trade. We will also look ahead and discuss how we wish to shape the EU-Russia partnership in coming years. There remains a lot of untapped potential to deepen our strategic partnership in all areas, which the Summit should explore. We will discuss urgent global issues, such as measures to stimulate economic growth and jobs, and international issues, in particular Syria and Iran. Common values that we share as members of the Council of Europe and the OSCE are at the basis of our relationship and developments in this area will also be reviewed," said President Van Rompuy ahead of the meeting.

President Barroso said: "Russia is our largest neighbour and a strategic partner with whom we have been building a solid and mutually beneficial relationship. It is in our common interest to develop further our bilateral relationship and the legal framework that underpins it. The best basis for a closer and reliable partnership is an ambitious and comprehensive New Agreement. I also expect the summit to reconfirm the high importance that both sides attach to the Partnership for Modernisation, whose comprehensive work plan is under implementation. Thriving civil societies are the best lever for political and economic modernisation. Trade and energy will also be discussed. We are interested in a predictable and rules-based relationship based on our common WTO commitments. Closer relations between our people, namely through increased mobility, will be also part of our agenda."

The Summit in Yekaterinburg will start with an informal dinner on 3 June and continue with a plenary session on the morning of 4 June, followed by a working lunch and a press conference. Leaders are expected to exchange views on global economic and financial developments, regional and international issues, including developments in Syria, the Middle East, Iran and North Korea.

Leaders are also expected to focus on bilateral relations, including negotiations on the New Agreement. The Summit will take stock of Russia’s WTO accession and discuss the state of implementation of all related commitments. The leaders will also discuss energy cooperation. They will take stock of the intensive work going on regarding the implementation of the Common Steps towards visa-free travel and discuss visa and mobility issues in general. Finally, the situation regarding human rights and the rule of law in Russia are regularly discussed at summit meetings.

For more information

Factsheet/MEMO on 31 st EU-Russia summit: MEMO/13/485

EU-Russia relations: http://eeas.europa.eu/russia/