EU leaders brainstorm on Russia, prepare energy summit

EU leaders concluded their two-day summit on the 15 March 2013 with an informal discussion on Russia, largely intended as a brainstorming session to prepare an EU visit to Moscow next week aimed at ‘exploring areas of mutual interest'. Much of the debate focused on energy, which EU leaders will discuss during a special summit on 24 May 2013.

Syria and complicated EU relations with Russia took centre stage at the EU summit, as Moscow opposes the resumption of weapons deliveries, saying it would be illegal.

Not less important was the issue of the bloc's energy relations with its largest neighbour and 'strategic partner', Russia. Before holding the talks, EU leaders had already agreed to hold a one-day extraordinary summit on energy on 24 May.

European Council: European Council, 14-15 March 2013: Conclusions http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/136151.pdf

ESO: Background information: European Council, Brussels, 14-15 March 2013 http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-council-brussels-14-15-march-2013/

EUObserver, 19.03.13: European energy security is not up to Europe http://euobserver.com/economic/119420

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