Negotiations on a new basic agreement

At Russia – EU Summit in London in October 2005 Russian and the EU leaders have reached a political agreement to conclude a new basic agreement, replacing the existing Partnership Cooperation Agreement (PCA). Both Russia and the EU have experienced significant political, economic and social changes since the signing of the PCA in 1994 and its entry into force in 1997. The new basic agreement should reflect these changes and make a qualitative step forward – to create an enhanced legal basis for Russia – EU relations, record joint adherence to basic principles of inter-state relations and take Russia – EU interaction to a new higher level of strategic partnership.

There is an understanding between Russia and the EU that the New Agreement should be a short, framework document and at the same time cover all the spheres of cooperation.

Russia and the EU started negotiations on the new agreement in July 2008. By now twelve negotiation rounds have been conducted. The head of the Russian negotiation team is Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the EU Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov. Head of the EU delegation – Chief Operating Officer of the European External Action Service D.O’Sullivan.

The negotiations are conducted in four working groups on four main chapters of the Agreement: on political dialogue and external security; on cooperation in the field of freedom, security and justice; on sectoral economic issues; on culture, research, education, media, sports and youth policies. A number of articles have been closed as agreed ad referendum. The results of each round are reviewed at official plenary session meeting.

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