EU-Russia relations are strong but with potential for more, say EU officials at a hearing in the State Duma
On 18 April, the Russian State Duma’s Committee for International Relations held a hearing on EU-Russia relations. The Committee had invited Member of the European Parliament and Co-chairman of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Knut Fleckenstein and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Russia, Ambassador Fernando M. Valenzuela to attend.
At the hearing, MEP Fleckenstein spoke about the need to rebuild trust and to make the political relations as close as the economic ties. Through closer people-to-people contacts and easier travel and movement as well as more intense use of the dialogue meetings (including among parliamentarians) MEP Fleckenstein hoped the EU and Russia would establish a better balance between the economic and political aspects of the partnership.
The EU-Russia Partnership for Modernisation is working well but can bring further results if initiatives on economic and technological modernization are combined with support to strengthen the rule of law and the development of an active civil society.
MEP Fleckenstein called for Russia and the EU to work together on all questions that concern the common neighbours. The EU and Russia can only benefit from an increased commitment to the common neighbourhood.
Ambassador Valenzuela underlined that the EU and Russia remain more interdependent than ever and relations continue to develop, although there is potential for more cooperation to the benefit of citizens, companies and official relations. The large volume of EU-Russia trade, currently at more than €336 billion – nearly €1 billion per day – is growing and should develop even further. Ambassador Valenzuela pointed to the sector of small-and medium sized enterprises (SME) as an important segment for further growth.
Russia’s WTO membership opens new possibilities – also for SMEs. But to gain all the benefits it is important that barriers are removed and the WTO commitments are implemented in full without discrimination between domestic and foreign companies.
In times when prospects for economic growth are downgraded Ambassador Valenzuela invited Russia to broaden and deepen its commercial relationship as this is where mutually beneficial opportunities are at their greatest. The EU is also Russia’s closest and most accessible neighbour and best placed to cooperate on modernisation.
Respect for human rights and the rule of law has always been a key part of the EU-Russia relationship as we are bound by our common commitments to democracy and fundamental freedoms as members of the Council of Europe, UN and OSCE. In economic terms it’s also important to develop the productive and creative energy that comes from a vibrant and active middle class and civil society.
Ambassador Valenzuela stressed the good progress on the Common Steps towards short-term visa-free travel. Making travel and mobility easier is a priority for the EU.
The EU is ready to move from a “partnership of necessity” to a “partnership of choice” and develop the full potential of our partnership as we are natural partners.
Source: Delegation of the EU to Russia
