§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from applicant states concerning close co-operation between the Russian Federation and the EU Political and Social Affairs Committee. [14811]
§ Peter HainThe EU-Russia summit on 3 October 2001 announced that the EU Political and Security Committee Troika and Russia would have monthly meetings to take stock of consultations on crisis prevention and management. This is a reflection of the importance the EU attaches to constructive engagement with Russia across the board. A few representatives of applicant states have noted, mostly informally, to my officials the establishment of these meetings.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy towards Kaliningrad in the context of the expansion of the European Union. [14827]
§ Peter HainThe UK believes Kaliningrad should be able to benefit from EU enlargement. This will require an imaginative approach and constructive engagement on all sides. A Commission communication published earlier this year examined areas of Russian concern including trade, fishing and transport. The EU-Russia summit on 3 October agreed that Commission and Russian officials would take forward work at the EU-Russia Co-operation Committee on 30 November.
The UK supports proposals for early dialogue between Russia and the EU applicants/neighbours concerned on the movement of people and goods through their territories. We also recognise that the onus is on Russia to take advantage of the opportunities offered by EU enlargement by promoting reforms in rule of law and investment.
The UK has assured the EU applicant states that the Kaliningrad question will not delay their accession to the 26W EU. We have also urged the applicant states involved to work closely with Russia to ensure that Kaliningrad benefits from EU enlargement.