EU to Form United Front vs. Russia at Summit

Ahead of the European Union-Russia summit scheduled for June 26 in Khanty-Mansiisk, EU member countries share one mission: keeping Russia in check in the wake of Moscow’s use of energy resources for political gain.

The Moscow Times said yesterday, “The revision of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which identifies the cooperative relationship between Europe and Russia, is the main agenda for the upcoming summit.”

Though the agreement expired last year, a revision has not been concluded due to differing opinions from the two sides. Russia has since grown more powerful thanks to soaring oil prices, and its stoppage of natural gas flow to Ukraine in February has rattled European countries with fear.

Moreover, Russia has hurt Europe’s pride with its oil and gas money. Last month, then Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “Russia’s GDP has already exceeded those of Spain and Italy. Soon, it will join the ranks of the world’s top six economies by outdoing the United Kingdom.”

About a fourth of Russia’s GDP comes from its natural gas exports, and Europe is the country’s major customer. European countries, however, are wary of the use of oil and military threats by Russia, including blockage of gas flow, non-compliance with the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty and missile deployment, but are still buying the growingly expensive fuel from the country.

Under these circumstances, the EU seeks a chance to teach Russia a lesson. Voices are also getting louder for European countries to get the drop on Russia before Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sticks to his predecessor Putin’s line.

The European Commission is also accusing Russia of having an anti-market attitude, saying the country must further open its markets before entering the World Trade Organization.

The EU is urging Russia to lift taxes on lumber imports and European airlines that use Russian airspace, as well as remove a ban on European beef imports.

On if European countries will be at a disadvantage at the summit, head European Commission delegation head Marc Franco said Russia might speak with one voice, but that everyone does not think the same way.

viyonz@donga.com