EU invitation to Putin ‘diplomatic blunder’

Preview of an informal meeting of EU Heads of State or Government due to take place in Lahti, Finland, on 20 October 2006. The main themes of the meeting will be the Union’s innovation policy and external energy relations. The Heads of State or Government will also touch on the Union’s immigration policy. After their informal meeting, the EU Heads of State or Government were due to be joined for dinner by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Discussion during the dinner will focus on the development of the strategic partnership between the EU and Russia, including cooperation in energy issues.

Article reports that diplomats are warning that inviting Vladimir Putin to the meetingwas a diplomatic blunder that could hand the Russian president a high-profile stage on which to exploit EU divisions.