Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner speaks on EU-Russia Relations

(Response to Report by C. Malmström)

Mr. Chairman,

Madam Rapporteur,

Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

Let me begin by thanking the Parliament, and in particular Ms Malmstrцm, for this very useful report. Its timing is highly opportune - only two weeks ago I was myself in Russia, visiting the country Winston Churchill so famously described as a “riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”. My experience was more positive, and indeed the EU-Russia Summit President Barroso and I attended was very successful.

Many of the issues the report raises are highly relevant to our discussions in Moscow, and to the implementation of what was agreed. So let me give you an overview of what we achieved, and where we are going from here.

Our major achievement was adopting the roadmaps for the four common spaces: economic; freedom security and justice; external security; and research, education and culture. They will provide the basis for significantly enhancing our relations with Russia in the coming years.

Most importantly, we confirmed that the EU-Russia relationship is based on common values, including respect for human rights and democracy, the rule of law, and a free market economy. These values must guide us as we turn to implementation.

In the economic sphere I welcome the Parliament’s emphasis on our common interest in seeing Russia become a partner with an open, dynamic, diversified economy and a transparent judicial system. This will be at the forefront as Russia comes closer to WTO membership and we start creating our common economic space.

At the Summit we again made absolutely clear that phasing out non-commercial payments for Siberian over-flights is essential for our economic cooperation. We also ensured that energy cooperation and the Kyoto Protocol are high on the list of priorities in the roadmap. And I can confirm for you that, as requested in your Resolution, the Commission will continue to provide financial support for Russia’s implementation of Kyoto and for nuclear safety.

In the field of freedom, security and justice, we agreed that we must rapidly conclude negotiations on readmission and on visa facilitation. I believe that agreement on both issues is within reach and we should aim to resolve them by the next summit in October. The Commission and the Member States remain convinced that simultaneous implementation of the two agreements is essential.

We raised the issue of human rights and the dialogue on the Northern Caucasus with Russia. Following our April fact finding mission we are exploring ways to provide financial support for socio-economic recovery in addition to our considerable humanitarian assistance. As indicated in your Resolution, this must be within the framework of a satisfactory political process: holding free and fair elections and improving administrative and institutional structures. We shall continue our dialogue with the Russian authorities on this point. We also agreed that human rights and international obligations must be respected as part of fighting terrorism in an effective and resolute manner.

Turning to external security, we agreed with the Russian authorities that we both want an integrated Europe without new dividing lines. I stressed that we can work together to help promote stability and prosperity in countries like Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, without forcing them to choose one camp or the other.

Finally, let me underline the importance of our agreement on the common space for research, education and culture. Cooperation in these areas will help promote the exchange of ideas and mutual understanding - to the benefit of all the peoples of Europe.

Honourable Members,

Your Resolution rightly draws attention to the fact that Russia is an important strategic partner for the European Union, all the more so since our latest enlargement. This has highlighted the need to further develop cooperation with Russia’s north-western regions through the Northern Dimension. I must also agree with your suggestion that the Union’s policy towards Russia has too often suffered from a lack of coherence. We must all intensify our efforts to define and maintain a common EU line.

The success of our Summit will enable us to strengthen our relations on an agreed basis and in a coherent manner. We will be able to substantially deepen our cooperation across a wide range of sectors, and we must use all the possibilities offered to us by our Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to do so.

I also think it is time to reflect on the best framework for our relations after 2007, when the initial 10 year period of our Partnership and Cooperation Agreement comes to an end. My priority is to work consensually with Russia, and to listen carefully to all ideas. I would be very interested in hearing the European Parliament’s views.

Dear colleagues,

In the words of Tolstoy, “there is only one time that is important – now! It is the most important because it is the time we have power”. I hope I can count on this Parliament to work with me and my colleagues in the Commission, using our time in office to make substantial progress in EU-Russia relations. I can assure you that the Commission will take full account of the points made in your Resolution, and I remain at your disposal for further discussions on this important subject.