Brussels, 20/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - Despite economic and trade disputes with Russia, the European Parliament is calling for constructive dialogue with Moscow and the inclusion of a substantial energy dimension in the future EU/Russia partnership and cooperation agreement. This, essentially, was the EP's message when it adopted the own initiative report by Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl (EPP-ED) on Tuesday, on “EU economic and trade relations with Russia”.
Underlining the fact that bilateral relations are at a “critical stage”, the EP calls for a “constructive and results-oriented engagement between both Russia and EU, but not at any cost”. Despite the fact that the EU shares with Russia “not only economic and trade interests and a commitment to democracy”, the EP regrets that the parties “have not succeeded in overcoming the lack of trust between them”. Confirming the vote in INTA committee (EUROPE 9431), the EP considers that, despite the structural reforms in Russia since 1998, others are needed in some sectors (health, education, gas, banking) and more generally in order to ensure rule of law. Reforms are necessary to make Russia more attractive to international and European investors, the EP states, calling on Moscow to “continue with market reforms, to refrain from politicising the economy and to respect the independence of public and private institutions”. It also calls for further efforts to combat corruption as well as for regulatory convergence and harmonisation of conformity assessment norms and procedures between the parties, especially in the services sectors (finance, telecommunications and transport) and agriculture (sanitary and phytosanitary measures). The EP also calls on Russia to settle the technical issues that are still outstanding (EUROPE 9422 and 9428) in negotiations with the Union for its membership to the WTO. It states it is particularly concerned by the adverse investment climate in Russia for foreign companies operating in the steel, natural resources and energy sectors. The complexity of customs procedures, dumping practices and anti-dumping duties on some European steel product exports are also of concern for the EP, which considers it necessary to adjust the Russian judiciary system to better protect intellectual property and combat the production and sale of counterfeit medicines.
An ample chapter is of course dedicated to energy. The EP calls for close cooperation in the context of EU/Russia energy dialogue where emphasis should, it states, be placed on treating issues pertaining to sustainability and reliability of production, transport and use of energy. “In addition to the need for Russia to ratify the Energy Charter Treaty, the EU should consider negotiating a formal framework document on energy relations with Russia in the context of the new PCA”, states the EP, suggesting that elements of the treaty be transposed in a new document “as the current situation, characterised by a lack of formal agreement, is unacceptable”. Finally, concerned by “nationalistic and monopolistic trends in the management of Russian energy sources”, the EP calls on Russia to treat foreign companies in an equitable and non-discriminatory fashion so that they may compete with Russian companies in accordance with WTO rules. (eh)