The EU-Russia summit in St. Petersburg (31/05/03) resulted in decisions aimed at further enhancing the strategic partnership of the two sides through special bodies dealing with all areas of cooperation.

These areas include foreign policy, security, economy, social justice and public order, as well as research and culture. Efforts will also be made to strengthen dialogue on issues relating to energy and the protection of the environment within the framework of implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.

Speaking at a press conference, at which a summary of the summit sessions was presented, the President of the European Council, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, underlined the importance of the progress achieved in creating a common economic space and replied to a Russian request for a relaxation of visa requirements.

Underling “the sense of insecurity” prevailing in the EU due to the large influx of immigrants, Simitis noted that one in ten residents of Greece was an economic migrant, while similar trends were being observed in countries such as Ireland and Portugal. 

“We have not built a ‘Great Wall’ around the EU, but  the freedom of movement of citizens must be combined with a general sense of security,” Simitis said, adding that such freedom of movement would therefore be promoted once the appropriate mechanisms are in place.

On the same issue, European Commission President Romano Prodi said that the Commission in cooperation with Russia would endeavour to establish a “ring of friendship” in bilateral relations.  In particular, he said that the two sides would examine the creation of a “common space” by seeking “specific solutions to specific problems” and promoting the harmonisation of structures.

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Simitis for his “personal contribution to the upgrading of EU-Russian relations”. Putin said “neither Russia nor the EU want the construction of a new Berlin Wall as a result of the Schengen Treaty”. In order to obviate such a danger, he added, adjustments would have to be made by both sides.   

Asked whether Moscow gave greater priority to the euro or the dollar, Putin replied that his priority was the ruble. “But given that the EU is Russia’s largest trading partner, our euro reserves will inevitably grow,” he added.

Lastly, while addressing the summit, Simitis reportedly expressed his condolences to Putin and the Russian people for the victims of the attacks in Chechnya.  He stressed that the EU would continue encouraging Russia to seek a political settlement of the Chechnyan problem in a way that safeguards human rights and facilitates the economic and social reconstruction of the region.

Click here to see the full text of the EU-Russia Joint Statement.