Trade barriers and climate change to be discussed at Russia meeting

Published: 12 November 2009 y., Thursday

Klimato kaita
At the EU-Russia summit next week, trade barriers for European companies will be high on the agenda. The climate issue, the economic crisis and the uncertainty surrounding Russia's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will also be important issues on the agenda. So said Sweden's Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström during Wednesday's debate in the European Parliament.

“With Russia's changed position on its accession to the WTO, a new situation has arisen, one which we are still in the process of analysing. Major delays in the Russian accession will affect our bilateral relations", said Ms Malmström.

Russia and the EU will meet for a summit in Stockholm on 18 November. Russian President Dmitrij Medvedev, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, Commission President José Manuel Barroso and EU High Representative Javier Solana are among the participants. The summit was discussed at the European Parliament's ‘mini session' in Brussels on Wednesday. The Minister for EU Affairs outlined the issues that will be in focus.

One of the EU's top priorities at the summit will be to urge Russia to present pledges on emissions reductions ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Both parties will also continue to coordinate their efforts to meet the economic crisis. In this context, the EU will emphasise the importance of avoiding protectionism. In her speech at the European Parliament, Ms Malmström emphasised the need to resolve the remaining barriers to trade with Russia. Today, for example, discriminatory road tolls and trade sanctions are hindering European companies.

Russia's position as the EU's most important energy partner will be discussed, as well as the importance of putting into place a better early warning system for gas supply reductions, for example. Another issue that will be brought up is the situation in Georgia.

During the debate held in the European Parliament on Wednesday evening, several parliamentarians brought up the human rights situation in Russia. Recently the European Parliament awarded the Sacharov Prize for freedom of thought to the Russian human rights organisation Memorial.

“The Council will appeal to Russia to do its best to ensure that human rights defenders can carry out their work without fear of violence, harassment or threats", said Ms Malmström.

During Wednesday's debate issues relating to the EU's Services Directive and EU-funding for research on Alzheimer's Disease were also discussed. Read more via the links on the right.

Šaltinis: europa.eu
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.

Facebook Comments

New comment


Captcha

Associated articles

The most popular articles

European cities go green

Following on from Stockholm in 2010 and Hamburg in 2011, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain) and Nantes (France) will be rewarded for their efforts to make their urban spaces environmentally-friendly. more »

New momentum in EU-Moldova relations

The European Parliament has welcomed the latest moves by the Republic of Moldova to improve relations with the EU and the country's willingness to seek a solution to the Transnistrian issue. more »

MEPs vote for moderate budget for 2011 but demand negotiations about the future

The European Parliament is calling for more EU investment in research, innovation, education and energy, as well as increased support for Palestine, but is sticking to a restrictive overall spending level for next year's EU budget. more »

Iran: "Human rights are more important than the nuclear issue"

MEPs on the human rights subcommittee debated the situation of human rights in Iran this Thursday with Mohammad Mostafaei, lawyer of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who has become an international cause célèbre after she was sentenced to being stoned to death. more »

Chile miner rescue rolls on

Slowly but safely, trapped miners in Chile are being excavated from a gold and copper mine after nearly two months underground. more »

Message of condolences by President Barroso to Mr Viktor Yanukovych, President of Ukraine

I should like to express my deep sadness at the tragic loss of life following the train and bus collision which took place in the town of Ordzhonikidze in Ukraine today. more »

Belgrade reeling after gay clashes

At least 150 injured and an estimated 1 m euros damages caused after clashes at anti-gay parade in Belgrade. more »

Commissioner Füle visits Egypt on 11 October 2010

The main purpose of the visit is to discuss with Prime Minister HE Dr Ahmed Nazif and other key ministers how to strengthen the EU-Egypt partnership further. more »

Fighting on Afghan front line

The French army releases dramatic footage it says shows heavy fighting in the Tagab Valley area of Afghanistan. more »

Hungary accident: European team of five experts to start working on the ground on Monday

A European civil protection team of five experts from France, Belgium, Sweden, Austria and Germany will arrive in Hungary on Monday morning to support the Hungarian authorities in their efforts to combat the pollution caused by the break of a sludge depository in the city of Ajka. more »