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At a breakfast briefing in Brussels on November 17th, EU-Russia Centre President, Paddy Ashdown, and Director, Fraser Cameron, presented Members of the European Parliament with the results of the Centre’s recent report on the lessons learnt from the activities of the Parliament’s Russia Delegation during the previous term (2004-2009). There followed a discussion about the key outcomes from the report, and the implications for the work of the Delegation going forward.
The report consisted of background research into the core activities of the Delegation, as well as interviews with ten of its members. It included conclusions and a list of policy priorities for the next Delegation, as suggested by the members themselves.
The principle conclusion of the report was that the Delegation had played an important role in EU-Russia relations, providing a constant opportunity for dialogue and continuity – even during difficult times, whilst it also encouraged Members to better understand Russia.
The accession of new Member States had led to changes in the stance of the Delegation, but also brought valuable knowledge and direct experience of dealing with Russia. It exemplified the importance of Europe speaking with one voice towards Russia, in a manner that is frank, open and respectful. The Delegation should focus on a range of issues including energy, the rule of law and human rights, European security and a common neighbourhood.
During the discussions that followed, the report was welcomed by MEPs as the only one of its kind carried out for a Delegation. They were keen to emphasise the positive outcomes from the Delegation in recent years, including impactful meetings with Ministers and NGOs.
There was clearly room for improvement when it came to talks with their Duma equivalents, however, which often consisted “more of statements than dialogue, with a great deal of moralising”, although the financial crisis had given the Russians a new meaning of “what is meant by inter-dependence”.
Among the future policy priorities, Foreign Direct Investment was identified as a potential lever for the EU in its discussions with Russia, and the merits of a common legislative framework for achieving this was discussed. It was agreed that this would be a useful topic to discuss with the business community.
The report was scheduled to be presented to Members of the new Delegation by its Chairman Knut Fleckenstein.