EU leaders will discuss EU-Russia relations at a dinner in Brussels on Monday 24 May (see EUROPE 12721/37).
The discussion, initially scheduled for March, was postponed, in particular because of the virtual nature - and the security risks that entailed - of the spring summit.
This debate will be an “initial preparatory exchange”, a “first framing discussion”, according to diplomats, with a view to a more in-depth discussion at the European Council of 24-25 June, which should make it possible to establish guidelines.
Although preparatory, the discussion will however “not be short”, said one EU diplomat, who believes that all leaders will speak on the subject.
The European Council will in its conclusions invite the EU High Representative and the European Commission to present a report on EU-Russia relations, in accordance with the five guiding principles of EU policy towards Russia, with a view to the European Council on 24-25 June 2021. According to a senior official, the aim of the report will be to see where EU/Russia relations stand and what can be done. “Our interest is a stable and secure relationship with Russia. How to get there is the whole debate”, he added.
“We need to develop a strategy so that we are not reacting to each case on an ad hoc basis. To properly prepare a discussion that goes deeper than just recent events, I think we need preparation”, explained an EU source.
The June European Council is traditionally, along with the December Council, the meeting at which EU leaders discuss the extension of sanctions against Russia in connection with the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Apart from Russia, some European leaders may raise the issue of the Middle East, following the establishment of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas (see other news).
The Presidents of the European Council and the Commission are also expected to give an update on the preparations for the US-EU Summit, scheduled for mid-June. EU leaders could discuss the latest measures announced by US President Joe Biden, from lifting patents on Covid-19 vaccines to a global minimum tax on the profits of all companies of at least 15%. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant, with Agathe Cherki and Damien Genicot)