EU-Russia: Partnership for Modernisation

The European Union and Russian Federation agreed on the scope and priorities of their new Partnership for Modernisation at a summit held on 31 May and 1 June in Rostov-on-Don. "I believe this will promote reform and give renewed momentum to our relationship," said Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, at the press conference.

Herman Van Rompuy, President of the
EuropeanCouncil, and Dmitri Medvedev, President
of the Russian Federation, at the EU-Russia Summit
inRostov-on-Don on 1 June 2010.
© European Union, 2010

This 25th summit with Russia was hosted by President Dmitri Medvedev. The European Union was represented by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso. High Representative Catherine Ashton and Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht also participated.

The Partnership for Modernisation is a shared agenda to help bring about reform in the field of the economy and society, with due respect for democracy and the rule of law. Its priority areas include for instance the alignment of technical standards, the promotion of a sustainable low-carbon economy and dialogue with civil society.

The parties also signed an agreement on the protection of classified information, which will facilitate cooperation in a wide variety of areas, such as justice and crisis management.

With regard to the long-term goal of visa-free travel, both parties remain committed to making concrete progress, based on a step-by-step approach.

As a major strategic partner, Russia is the only country with which the Union holds two summits every year.

More information:
Remarks by Herman Van Rompuy (pdf) 
Joint Statement on the Partnership for Modernisation (pdf) 
Agreement on the protection of classified information (pdf) 
EU external relations: Russia