§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what sanctions against Russia are planned by EU member states if Russia does not accept the terms of the partnership and trade agreements within the European Union. [157396]
1097W
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe are currently working on the basis that Russia will agree to extend the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA) to the enlarged EU from May 1.
The European Commission, in consultation with member states, is seeking to agree a text of a Draft Protocol with Russia to extend the PCA, while expressing willingness to address Russia's legitimate concerns about EU enlargement.
The Commission has yet to present formal proposals to member states for sanctions in the event that Russia fails to extend the PCA to the new member states from 1 May.