EU-Russia summit to be dominated by Ukraine

José Manuel Barroso faces a tough test at his first major foreign affairs meeting at the EU-Russia summit in The Hague on Thursday.

“EU and Russia can do a lot together,” said Barroso in a statement ahead of the summit.

“I look forward to building a strong relationship, both to tackle shared problems, and to seize the opportunities of deeper co operation.”

But the summit, postponed from earlier in the month is likely to be dominated by the continuing protests in Ukraine over the elections results.

Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly supports pro-Russian Viktor Yanukovich, who was first to declare victory despite mass demonstrations in support of opposition leader and pro-European Viktor Yushchenko.

On the formal agenda of the talks are plans for closer economic and security links between the EU and Russia.

Border agreements with Estonia and Latvia, political settlement on the conflict in Chechnya, Kaliningrad and reconstruction and rehabilitation in the northern Caucasus will be on the table.

Other items on the agenda include discussion on Russia’s recent decision to ratify the Kyoto protocol on climate change and a proposal for the EU and Russia to establish regular consultations on human rights.

Dutch prime minister Balkenende and Commission president Barroso will represent the EU with president Putin leading the Russians.

Externals relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, trade commissioner Peter Mandelson and common foreign and security policy chief Javier Solana will also be at the talks.

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