EU and Russia in visa-free talks, despite Magnitsky ‘regret’

EU officials led by European Commission President Barroso met with Russian officials in Moscow on 21 March 2013 to try to pin down details on a visa-free travel deal, despite 'regret' on Russia's handling of a prominent human rights case.

President José Manuel Barroso and the European Commission met the Russian Government led by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow on 21 March 2013. These executive-to-executive talks covered a wide range of EU-Russia cooperation, from discussions on the EU-Russia New Agreement to trade issues, energy cooperation, transport and mobility. As part of this visit, President Barroso also met with President Putin. The crisis situation affecting the economy in Cyprus was also discussed.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: EU and Russia agree easing of visa rules http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-and-russia-agree-easing-of-visa-rules/

ESO: Background Information: Bulgaria and Romania to be denied passport-free travel http://www.europeansources.info/record/bulgaria-and-romania-to-be-denied-passport-free-travel/

ESO: Background Information: European Commission meets Russian Government for executive-to-executive talks http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-european-commission-meets-russian-government-for-executive-to-executive-talks-2/

Deutsche Welle, 21.03.13: EU, Russia near a deal on visa regulations http://www.dw.de/eu-russia-near-a-deal-on-visa-regulations/a-16685862

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