NEWS
EU – Russia Permanent Partnership Council Conference
Progress on EU-Russia cooperation in the fields of freedom, security and justice were the main topics on the agenda during the EU-Russia Ministerial Conference held on 10-11 of October in Warsaw.
During the meeting, the Polish Presidency was represented by the Minister of the Interior and Administration, Jerzy Miller, as well as the Minister of Justice, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, while the Russian delegation was represented by the Russian Federation’s Minister of Justice, Alexander Konovalov, and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Siergey Bulavin. The European Commission was represented by Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner responsible for Home Affairs.
One of the most important areas of cooperation remains negotiations on visas. Senior officials managed to agree on a list of common steps. However, this list is yet to be formally accepted by both parties. Both sides expressed the hope that this document can be ratified quickly.
Both sides also welcomed the significant progress made on the revision of a law concerning exemptions for local border traffic. The revisions aim to extend the zone in Kaliningrad Oblast, where local border traffic can move without restrictions. The Ministers stressed that these exceptions would create tangible benefits for citizens living in the border areas.
Mobility issues are extremely important for both sides. However, a balance needs to be kept between the desire for greater mobility of citizens and requirements for security and the administration of justice.
Another important area of cooperation is migration. In June of this year, migration talks started between the Russian Federation and the European Union. Both sides have agreed an Action Plan for Dialogue on Migration indicating specific action that needs to be implemented in this regard.
The ministers also discussed security cooperation stressing the need to combat all forms of crime, especially cybercrime. Cooperation between the European Union and Russia should prove helpful in combating criminal Internet activity whilst at the same time ensuring the independence of the Internet for law-abiding citizens.
Particularly important for the joint relationship is developing cooperation in the fight against trafficking in human beings. This issue was treated as a priority at the conference.
Another area of importance for the two parties, as well as for the Polish Presidency, is combating drug trafficking. Close cooperation with the Russian Federation will hopefully contribute to increased efficiency in this regard.
Both sides emphasised the positive cooperation in the Permanent Partnership Council but noted the need for greater cooperation in practical terms for the benefit of each other’s citizens.
The Permanent Partnership Council Conference is cyclical, held twice yearly in Russia and the country currently holding the Rotating Presidency of the European Council.
