Russia-EU summit in Rome

The formation of the four European spaces is to come under discussion at the Russia-EU summit in Rome, a high-level Kremlin official reported. In his words, on the agenda will be the formation of the pan-European economic space, free movement area, the foreign security space and the scientific, educational and cultural space.

As to the pan-European space, the Kremlin source noted that this issue had been considered for over two years and tangible results had been achieved. In particular the parameters of harmonising the Russian and EU legislations have been determined. This is very important and this is something we intend to do, the source added.

As for internal security issues, the source referred to such problems as the facilitation of the visa regime, the fight against illegal migration, and co-operation between interior ministries.

According to the source, the major task in foreign security provision is the fight against terrorism.

In his words, interaction in the scientific, educational and cultural areas is developing consistently.

The Kremlin source added that the summit would also consider the development of the Russia-EU permanent council and the internal situation in Russia and the EU.

International issues to be discussed will be the situation in Iraq, the Middle East, Afghanistan, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the status of Russian-speaking population in Latvia and Estonia.

According to the Kremlin source, the summit will yield a final statement, a joint declaration on strengthening security dialogue and co-operation, an agreement on resuming the formerly valid accord between Russia and the EU on co-operation in science and technologies, and an agreement between Russia and the Europol (European Police).