Press Release: Commission calls for the strengthening of EU-Russia relations

The Commission adopted a Communication on 9 February 2004 on European Union-Russia relations, which proposes measures to improve the effectiveness of EU-Russia relations, in particular in light of increased EU and Russian interdependence, the EU's historic enlargement on 1 May and the unresolved conflicts in the Newly Independent States (NIS). It underlines that the EU and Russia should be ready, as strategic partners, to discuss frankly all issues of concern, including human rights, media freedom and events in Chechnya in addition to strengthening co-operation on concrete issues, on the basis of common interests. The Communication offers a basis for discussions on a review and strengthening of EU-Russia relations at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 23 February 2004.

http://www.eeas.europa.eu/russia/index_en.htm http://www.eeas.europa.eu/russia/index_en.htm

---