There is no greater challenge facing the European Union and the United States than our future relationship with Russia. The vast expanse of Russia stretches half way round the world from the eastern borders of the European Union to the western frontier of the United States. The European Union and the United States therefore have a common interest in building and maintaining their own strategic partnerships with the Russian Federation.
For our part, the EU is committed to developing a comprehensive relationship with Russia. This commitment has so far been based upon an assumption of a convergence of political and economic interests and an adherence to common values. This assumption appeared to be well founded, but recently we have had reason to doubt our confidence.
There is no question that economic cooperation is moving ahead rapidly as an increasingly affluent Russia obtains the means to exploit its enormous reservoir of natural resources. Two-way investment continues to grow, as does EU dependence on Russian gas to meet our energy needs. Like the United States, the EU supports Russian membership of the World Trade Organisation.
On the political front, however, we are faced with an increasingly confrontational Russian approach. This is manifested in a number of ways: in Russias apparent zero-sum approach to developments in the nations which lie in our common neighbourhood; in its ongoing criticism of those EU Member States which broke free from the Soviet Union; and in its obstructionist policies in the OSCE.
We also see a disturbing trend within Russia of weakening respect for democratic standards and fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly in relation to freedom of the media. Instead of a convergence of values, we feel a widening gap between us.
Of course, we need to show some understanding of the circumstances in which Russia finds itself. The decade following the collapse of the Soviet Union was not a comfortable one for the Russian people. The loss of influence and status was accompanied by war, terrorism and disorder. Millions fell into poverty while a handful of people became rich beyond reason. What has followed can be seen, to some extent, as a reaction to these developments.
The EU and the United States cannot afford to turn their backs on Russia. We must continue to engage; continue to seek to develop our economic and political ties. But we must also continue to deal with Russia which is a European country by historical and cultural orientation according to the standards of democracy and human rights which Europe and America hold in common. We should make clear our concerns, but in a constructive manner which will engage, rather than alienate, the Russian people.
We need an open and honest dialogue with Russia on all issues including on the future of the OSCE.
As regards the common neighbourhood between Russia and the EU, we have to convince Russia that we have a shared interest in stability in Europe. Russia holds the keys to unlocking the various frozen conflicts in this region and we must encourage Moscow to use them. It is important that Russia understand that the EU is not trying to poach in Russias sphere of influence. It is the peoples of the region themselves who are seeking a closer relationship with the European Union.
The European Union and the United States each have their own special relationship with Russia. But we have many concerns in common and we should continue to remain in close and regular contact on how we address them. It is in our shared interest that this weeks US-Russia Summit in Bratislava lays the foundation for progress in working with Russia in the period ahead. We therefore wish you, Mr President, a very successful and fruitful meeting with President Putin.
ENDS