European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrцm and Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Alexey Ulyukayev discussions focus on EU-Russia trade relations

Brussels, 03 March 2015

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and Russian Minister for Economic development Alexei Ulyukayev have met in Brussels today to discuss EU-Russia trade relations. During this meeting, requested by Minister Ulyukayev at the end of 2014, discussions focused on developments in multilateral trade agenda, bilateral trade relations including WTO commitments and concerns expressed by Russia in relation to the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area of the Association Agreement (AA/DCFTA) were also discussed along the possible resumption of trilateral talks in order to achieve practical solutions to these concerns.

Commissioner Malmström said:

"I place great importance on our trade and investment relationship with Russia, and it is in our mutual interest to overcome the current difficulties. To fulfil our relationship's potential, the current Ukraine crisis needs to be solved. As I have stated in many occasions, this is a political problem requiring a political solution. I hope that the respect of the measures agreed in Minsk will lead to the way out of the crisis.

I therefore support the resumption of trilateral talks between the EU, Ukraine and Russia in order to achieve practical solutions to concerns raised by Russia with regard to the implementation of the DCFTA between Ukraine and the EU. We continue to stand ready to find ways to address the concerns expressed by Russia, within the flexibility provided by the EU-Ukraine DCFTA, which, however, will not be amended.

It is only via a solution to the Ukraine crisis that we can lay down the foundations for a renewed bilateral partnership based on dialogue and cooperation. Moreover, Russia needs to respect its WTO commitments in full. Once conditions are met, we can start envisaging something more ambitious for our bilateral trade relationship."

European Commission

See more: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-4539_en.htm?locale=en