Relations between the European Union and Russia
The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the own-initiative report drafted by Cecilia MALMSTRÖM (ALDE, SE). The vote was adopted by 488 votes in favour, 20 votes against and 63 abstentions. (Please see the summary dated 26/04/2005.) Parliament affirmed that good neighbour relations and cooperation between the EU and Russia are crucially important for stability, security and prosperity on the whole of the European continent but that relations have to be founded on common values, consisting of respect for human rights, the market economy, the rule of law and democracy. It called on the Commission and the Council to show solidarity and unity within the EU between the old and the new Member States alike in the event of Russia aiming to differentiate its approach towards them Parliament called on the Council, Commission and Russia to exploit the dynamic created by the Summit and take concrete measures for implementing the road maps.
On the Common Economic Space, Parliament welcomed the agreement to strengthen co-operation in the environmental field, and enhance co-operation in telecoms, transport and energy, but stressed that further progress is needed on competition and that investment conditions need to be improved with increased foreseeability and legal certainty. It supported Russia’s ambition to accede to the WTO, and called on the EU and Russia to develop deeper integration by preparing and starting negotiations on a Free Trade Area immediately after Russia's accession to the WTO. The EU-Russia Free Trade Area agreement will be an ambitious stage in the formation of the Common Economic Space, covering trade in goods and services, freedom of establishment, rules on government procurement, regulatory compatibility and other trade aspects.
On the Common Space of Freedom, Security and Justice, Parliament stressed that progress in this Space cannot be restricted to re-admission and visa facilitation, but must include action strengthening democracy, the rule of law and the independence of the media. Human rights consultations must become a permanent feature in the EU-Russia partnership. Parliament expressed its concern about the apparent weakening of Russia’s commitment to democracy, market economy and protection of human rights. It reiterated its criticism of the use of the judicial system in the apparent pursuit of political goals. These developments affect both the situation of the Russian people and Russia's foreign relations. So long as they are not reversed, development of the EU-Russia partnership will be more difficult. In this respect, the Yukos case represents a fundamental test of Russia’s respect for the rule of law, property rights, transparency and a fair and open market for investors.
On the Common Space of External Security, Parliament expected concrete action on renewed commitment to resolving the frozen conflicts in the Caucasus and in Transnistria, and increased dialogue on crisis management and security. It stressed the need to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, including the right of every State to seek to develop its relations with other States and organisations based on its own definition of its interests and in accordance with principles laid down within the framework of the UN, OSCE and Council of Europe. Parliament also called onRussia to reaffirm its commitment to the territorial integrity of Georgia and Moldova and to withdraw its military forces from Georgia and Moldova in accordance with its OSCE commitments, as well as with the request of these sovereign states. It stated that the EU is also expected to tackle the question of Belarus with Russia for whom democratisation of the country is in the common interest of the EU and Moscow.
On the Common Space on Research, Education and Culture, Parliament welcomed the decision setting up the European institute in Moscow in 2006 as a concrete step towards increased co-operation in this field.
Finally, on the question of Chechnya, Parliament condemned the killing of Mr Maskhadov, and called on all sides to end the violence. It is imperative to arrive at a political solution which involves all the democratic components of Chechen society and guarantees to all people residing in or returning to Chechnya a real right to life, freedom and security and to the Chechen people respect for their cultural and national identity and dignity. At the same time, this solution should respect the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and be fully compatible with the pursuit, by legitimate and effective means, of stability and security throughout the North Caucasus and the entire Russian Federation.