Commission in bid to start Russia talks

By Andrew Beatty

Date: 08/06/06

The European Commission is to ask member states for a mandate to open talks with the Russian government next month on a 'Strategic Partnership Agreement'.

The current ten-year-old EU-Russia 'Partnership and Co-operation Agreement' will run out at the end of this year, if either Russia or the EU refuses to renew it.

The new agreement is expected to focus heavily on energy. According to a senior Commission official, many of the provisions will aim to get Russia to sign up to the EU's internal rules on energy.

The official said the deal could set out rules for third-party access to pipelines in Russia and the EU, as well as lifting restrictions on investing in Russian energy companies.

Russia supplies the EU with a quarter of its gas, while around 8% of Russia's gross domestic product comes from energy sales to the EU.

The International Energy Agency has warned that Russia needs billions of euros in energy infrastructure investment in order to ensure supplies.

During the talks, Russia is likely to demand that an EU cap on importing nuclear material be lifted.

While EU diplomats admit that negotiations with Moscow are always difficult, they are stressing that the deal will benefit both sides.

A senior Council of Ministers official expressed confidence that "the agreement with Russia will come", but indicated the deal may not be done immediately.

Commissioners are expected to discuss the agreement with Russia on 19 July.

Article reports that the European Commission was to ask member states for a mandate to open talks with the Russian government on a 'Strategic Partnership Agreement' ahead of discussions with Russia planned for 19 July 2006. The current ten-year-old EU-Russia 'Partnership and Co-operation Agreement' was to run out at the end of 2006, if either Russia or the EU were to refuse to renew it.

European Commission: DG External Relations: Countries: Russia http://www.eeas.europa.eu/russia/index_en.htm

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