Parliamentary dimension of the EU-Russia partnership: into the next decade. By Ria Oomen-Ruijten (EU)
The EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC) last year celebrated already its fist decade of existence. As a platform for discussion the members of the committee from Federal Council, State Duma and the European Parliament are the link between the political dialogue at the highest level and the concerns of Russian and European citizens.
The EU and Russia are neighbors and thus, per definition, our political and economical relations are intense and complex. Within the PPC we are not afraid to address also the challenges in our relations. Many European citizens are concerned about the human rights and the rule of law in Russia. Furthermore the conflict in Georgia or the gas crisis have been extensively discussed in the EU and I think the French Presidency has shown the EU’s constructive and positive approach. Neither Europe nor Russia can afford not to be partners. Cooperation can not only be ad-hoc, there needs to be a framework for dialogue. The partnership Agreement is a valid instrument to develop en reinforce this partnership. We should try to set ambitious goals for our partnership and do our utmost to achieve them.
Business in not waiting for politicians. In time of political friction, European investment in Russia is booming and our trade relations are increasingly intensifying. A key step for future development of our economic cooperation is Russian membership of the World Trade Organization which would increase legal certainty for business.
I believe there is a consensus on the necessity for a political partnership based on transparency and mutual trust. The financial market crisis is reminding us brutally that both of us live in an interdependent world. Each of us knows very well that the EU and Russia depend on each other. Power politics and strong declarations are the not right ingredients for a constructive dialogue. Constructive dialogue for me is the creativity to come up with alternatives. The PCC has proven to be the perfect place for this dialogue and I believe our meeting have potential to play an even more important role in the near future.
May 6, 2009
MEP, Chairwoman of the EU delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee