Brussels, 19/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - The EU and Russia will try to step up their relations at their 30th summit on 20-21 December but no great progess is expected. “There will be no signing of documents but references will be made to a fairly large number of bilateral arrangements that are ready to be signed, or being prepared to be signed”, said the Russian ambassador to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov.
Russia and the EU will discuss a new agreement, which the EU wants to be “ambitious” and global, to replace the partnership and cooperation agreement of 1997. They will also discuss their partnership for modernisation. In Chizhov's view, the negotiations for a new agreement are at a “technical pause”, linked to the accession procedures for Russia joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and to the “digestion” of this membership, “which explains why Russia is not fully prepared for another leap concerning the liberalisation of its economic and trade ties with the EU”. Chizhov also said that the integration of Russia's customs union means that numerous questions are delegated to a supranational level and that it is therefore necessary “to find the appropriate interface for the negotiations with the EU”. However, the discussions are continuing informally, he added.
Membership of the WTO will be discussed at the summit. The EU wants Russia to respect the WTO rules. A European diplomat stressed import taxes on vehicles from the EU (recycling tax) and the transport of live animals from the EU to Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to present the priorities of his country which took over at the head of the G20 on 1 December. The economic and financial situation in the EU and Russia, in connection with the crisis, will also be discussed.
Energy cooperation will be tackled, with the issue of the South Stream gas pipeline, and also the third energy package, over which the EU and Russia are in conflict as Moscow considers that it should not be applied to projects that concern only the EU and that it runs counter to the WTO rules.
The leaders are due to take stock of progress on mobility and visas. The discussions are expected to focus on the new visa facilitation agreement, which is close to being concluded, even if there are still questions on so-called service passports. Russia wants progress on a visa free regime for all, which several European states still oppose, and it threatens to reintroduce the need for flight personnel to have a visa if there is no progress on this issue.
Foreign policy issues, such as Syria, the Middle East peace process, the Iranian nuclear issue, the Balkans and the frozen conflicts, are also on the programme. With regard to Syria, a European diplomat said that it was necessary to be “realistic on the possibility of reaching coherent positions” (our translation throughout). The EU and Russia are also due to discuss the management of the crisis and an appropriate basis for cooperation. Also on the programme is the issue of human rights in the EU and Russia.
The summit will begin with a working dinner on Thursday and will continue on Friday with a plenary followed by a working lunch. (CG with SP/transl.fl)