Trade barriers and climate change to be discussed at Russia meeting

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.