Brussels, 23/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - In Moscow this Wednesday, Commissioner for Regional Policy Danuta Hübner, and Russian Minister for Regional Policy Vladimir Yakovlev, co-signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation between the European Union and the Russian Federation in the field of regional policy. With this signature, both sides expressed their wish to improve EU/Russia bilateral cooperation and to exchange information on policies which can help to contribute towards regional growth and competitiveness, by boosting well-balanced national development. This day's meeting allowed those taking part to identify the subjects which will be tackled within the framework of EU/Russia structured dialogue, including: the EU's experience in designing instruments to support regional development based on innovation; the preparation of regional development strategies and the implementation of programmes; information on funds and projects for regions of the EU bordering Russia for the period 2007-2013; and the classification and definition of regions and governments at many levels.
In her speech, Ms Hübner pleaded for the creation of policies “to guarantee a broad distribution of the benefits of globalisation”, from which both the EU and Russia have benefited, to prevent social differences and regional disparities from increasing, thus hindering long-term growth. The commissioner said that she is convinced that the EU and Russia “have much to learn from each other”, which could be done within the framework of structured dialogue, to meet once a year, at specific events. Ms Hübner invited Minister Yakovlev - who accepted - to take part in a seminar in Brussels on 9 October, on the “international dimension of regional development policy”, which will be held in the framework of the Open Days 2007. (gb)