Jacek Saryusz-Wolski

EU-Russia Relations
7th Summit of Chairmen of
EPP-ED Parliamentary Groups

16.04.2007 Brussels


Strategic partnership with Russia

Russia is the EU’s strategic partner and therefore the relations with Moscow should be very high on our agenda. There is a need for constructive engagement with Russia. We have to develop the cooperation with our biggest neighbor – we do have too many common interests to remain inert.
The current relationship between the enlarged EU and Russia enjoys none of optimism and enthusiasm of earlier years. The absence of clear vision of the future relationship is compounded by a shared tendency to adopt broad schemes, which remain devoid of content (Northern Dimension, common spaces), leading to what an analyst has called "virtualization of cooperation", i.e. the lack of substance being hidden under rich layers of dialogue. Indeed, a concerted effort from both sides would be needed to regain the trust and momentum in the relationship.
There is considerable dissatisfaction on both sides on the relationship, where issues of low policy (visas, transit, trade etc) that would seem to require technical and functional problem solving have been turned into issues of high politics, requiring top-level intervention. If we are to improve our relations we have to remedy that very situation.

In order to be credible the EU and the member states cannot focus solely on the economic interests, disregarding the worsening of the domestic situation in Russia in respect to democracy and human rights. We have to express our concern about the preparations for parliamentary and presidential elections; we have to call on the Russian authorities to ensure a free and fair electoral process and to give opposition parties a real opportunity to campaign.
The European Union is a community based on values. We pride ourselves that our foreign policy is not solely based on the principles of realpolitik. We have to uphold our high standards in relations with our partners. Therefore freedom of speech and the independence of the media, the legislation on NGO activity and the treatment of human rights defenders, racism and xenophobia, must be an integral part of the EU-Russia political agenda.


Foreign Policy

A comprehensive EU-Russia strategic partnership in foreign policy should promote democratic governance, the rule of law and good neighbourly policies. Both partners have a common interest in a stable, secure and democratic neighbourhood. I am convinced that there is no other alternative.

We should support the multilateral solutions to global issues. Therefore we welcome the constructive approach taken by Russia in the six-nation talks with North Korea and in seeking a compromise on Iran's nuclear programme. We should ask our Russian partner to show a similar constructive attitude to finding a sustainable solution regarding the final status of Kosovo.


Trade Relations

Firstly we have to be aware that Russia’s newfound economic wealth is not the result of economic reforms but the record high oil prices. It is as hard as ever to open the small and medium-sized businesses that could turn Russia into a major manufacturing base. With that in mind we have to realize that sustaining healthy trading relations is in the interest of both parties.
The economic relations between the EU and Russia must be based on reciprocity of market access and respect for market rules. We cannot accept any discriminatory trade policies, touch selected member states, which are not in line with the principles of the EU trade relations. We have to express our concern that European investments in Russia do not enjoy the same level of legal protection and market access as is afforded to Russian investors in the EU, not least in the so-called strategic sectors of the Russian economy.


Energy

Unfortunately in the relations with Russia member states tend to choose national interests over EU interest as a whole or interests of other member states. Therefore, the energy dialogue which we have with Russia since 2000 is largely devoid of substance. If CFSP is to be credible we have to demonstrate solidarity and unity within the EU between the old and the new Member States alike, especially in the event of Russia aiming to differentiate its approach towards them.
We have to be aware that in the medium-term, European economies will remain dependent on energy imports. The Union should support interdependence in the areas of production, transport and distribution as the main aim of an equitable and transparent energy relationship. We should incorporate the principles of the Energy Charter in a new agreement between the EU and Russia (as agreed by the informal European Council meeting in Lahti).
Relations with Russia as a major energy supplier must be anchored in a transparent, mutually beneficial strategic framework, based on reciprocity and non-discrimination in respect of market access and mutual respect of market rules. The European Union and the member states have every reason to be concerned about recent cases of gas supply cuts to several neighbouring countries. Therefore I am of the opinion that a strategic energy partnership between the EU and Russia should prevent the use of energy exports and state controlled companies operating in the energy field as instruments of foreign policy, weapons or blackmail.
We cannot only limit our activities to expressing our concerns. We have to establish effective and timely crisis communication mechanisms between the EU and Russia. Our relations with Russia must be characterized by coherence, close coordination and solidarity between EU member states in the energy dialogue. Negotiations of new agreement will be very difficult.


Future of the relations

We should do our best to reinvigorate the ongoing work on the agreed roadmaps in the four common spaces, and on elaborating a joint approach for political cooperation.
The lack of progress on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is worrying. The reason is Russia's position in line with prize, divide and rule. Before we start negotiating, however, the EU and Russia have to resolve the underlying trade disputes, enabling the EU and Russia to move forward. Common position of all Member States is a prerequisite for effective negotiations with Russia. Disagreements cannot undermine a genuine EU common strategy.
Last week Russia offered to carry out action to clear the way for the PCA talks. I hope that the crisis will be resolved. The EU has to demonstrate its internal solidarity and only then we will be able to actively engage in building our future relations on a sounder basis.

Let me to conclude saying that in my view, in order to build a genuine strategic partnership with Russia, we need:

1. Firstly, that the EU is able to adopt unified, common position and tough stance whenever necessary acting towards Russia with respect but without complacency (e.g. the EU excessive tolerance of Moscow's coercive use of energy resources was encouraging increasingly confident Kremlin leadership)
   
   
2. Secondly, we need to help Russia to overcome the communist past and undemocratic habits by investing strongly in civil society and free media.
   
   
3. Finally, we need to convince Russia that we need each other to succeed in responding to today's global challenges. And above all we have to underline that our relationship/partnership should be driven by values. This is the only way to go forward.