§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications of enlargement of the European Union for UK relations with Russia. [82455]
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§ Mr. MacShaneWe and our EU partners are working to ensure that the effect of enlargement on the EU's relations with Russia— and therefore on the UK's relationship with Russia— will be positive. The EU wants to help Russia maximise the considerable opportunities enlargement offers. EU work with Russia on WTO accession, the EU/Russia energy dialogue, the concept of a common economic space, and increased political and JHA co-operation are all contributing to this end. In addition, the EU is working closely with Russia to ensure that Kaliningrad, its Baltic sea enclave, remains a fully integrated part of the Russian Federation after enlargement