Brussels, 28/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - Without debate on Monday, the External Relations Council adopted the Greek Presidency's work plan on implementing the common strategy for Russia, by focusing its efforts on the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, Russia's integration in a common European economic and social area and co-operation with Moscow in favour of enhancing stability and security in Europe.
Each presidency of the EU Council presents a work plan for implementing the Union's common strategy for Russia. Faced with the major changes that will occur within the EU (notably enlargement), the Greek Presidency considers that the next EU/Russia Summit of 31 May in Saint-Petersburg, would be the ideal moment to proceed with any review of this common strategy. At political level, the Presidency places emphasis on the reform of the Russian legal system (which should familiarise itself with EU standards and legislation), freedom of the media, and the situation in Chechnya (stressing the need to find a political solution to the conflict, and calling for a renewal of the OSCE mandate). Economically, the improvement of the economic climate for investments and the country's growth are two Presidency priorities, which backs Russia's membership of the WTO. Talks on certain sensitive topics, already begun by previous presidencies, will continue: solution to the problem of excessive taxes paid by airline companies to fly over Siberia, and trade in nuclear matter, co-operation in scientific research, including Galileo (notably the aspects linked to radio frequencies: see yesterday's EUROPE, p. 12). To ensure the stability of the European continent, the Presidency would like progress in the settlement of "frozen conflicts", notably Moldova and in the Southern Caucasus. Furthermore, it wants closer co-operation with Russia, especially in the form of information exchange, combating terrorism and trafficking in human beings, against organised crime (by, notably, proposing a ministerial meeting on justice and home affairs). It also intends supporting Russia in border management and in combating illegal immigration, and places emphasis on the need rapidly to implement the agreement reached over Kaliningrad (see EUROPE of 13 November, p.9).