Brussels, 03/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - Following a meeting with Russian Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukayev in Brussels on Tuesday 3 March, Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said she backed resumption of trilateral discussions with Russia and Ukraine on the impact on the Russian economy of the free-trade deal between the EU and Ukraine, whose coming into force has been delayed until the start of 2016.
“I support the resumption of trilateral talks between the EU, Ukraine and Russia in order to achieve practical solutions to concerns raised by Russia. We continue to stand ready to find ways to address the concerns expressed by Russia, within the flexibility provided by the EU-Ukraine DCFTA, which, however, will not be amended”, Malmström said.
Resumption of the trilateral talks on the effect on the Russian economy of the EU-Ukraine association agreement and its trade chapter is part of the peace agreement concluded between Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine in Minsk on 12 February, ahead of the cessation of hostilities in the east of Ukraine.
“I place great importance on our trade and investment relationship with Russia, and it is in our mutual interest to overcome the current difficulties. It is only via a solution to the Ukraine crisis that we can lay down the foundations for a renewed bilateral partnership”, the commissioner said.
The EU is expected very shortly to propose a date to Russia and Ukraine for the resumption of trilateral technical talks, prior to an early return to political discussions, a Community source close to this matter told us on Tuesday.
Malmström also called on Russia, against whom the EU has now filed four cases with the WTO (see EUROPE 11264) to “respect its WTO commitments in full”. “Once conditions are met, we can start envisaging something more ambitious for our bilateral trade relationship” she stated.
Following Tuesday's meeting, the EU side was somewhat upbeat about positive developments in these issues. Russia gave positive signals and showed willing to find a solution to the cases brought by the EU at the WTO, a Community source told us. (Emmanuel Hagry)