Answer given by Baroness Ashton on behalf of the Commission
12.4.2010
The conclusions of the Commission’s communication on Russia[1] remain broadly valid. In that communication, and in the Commission staff working document that accompanied it, the Commission argued that it is in the EU’s interest to continue to advance cooperation with Russia, while at the same time defending the EU’s values and principles. This approach remains valid. The communication also argued that when the EU spoke, and acted, as one, it was more effective. The unanimously-agreed negotiating directives given to the European Commission to negotiate a new legal framework for relations is in line with these objectives. Human rights continue to form an essential element in relations, and continue to be raised in the course of our intensive political dialogue with the Russian Federation.