Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken at EU level to augment relations and trade with Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47130/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The legal basis for EU relations with Russia is the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) which came into force in 1997. Negotiations are continuing between the EU and Russia on a new agreement to replace the PCA. The successful conclusion of these negotiations will be important for developing the EU-Russia relationship further. The PCA established an institutional framework for regular consultations between the EU and Russia. This includes Summits of Heads of State/Heads of Government, which take place twice a year and define the strategic direction for the development of EU-Russia relations.

As the Deputy may be aware, the most recent EU-Russia Summit took place in Stockholm on 18 November 2009. The discussions took place in an open and constructive atmosphere and covered a comprehensive range of regional and international issues, including the Western Balkans, Georgia, Iran, Afghanistan/Pakistan and the Middle East Peace Process. The Summit also focussed on developments in EU-Russia relations, climate change, the economic and financial crisis and energy security. During the Summit, Russia expressed its readiness to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by between 20 and 25 percent by 2020. Five cross border cooperation agreements were also signed between the EU and Russia at the Summit.

Russia is an important strategic partner for the EU, particularly in terms of trade, energy and regional cooperation. EU-Russia trade has grown substantially in recent years. In 2000, total trade in goods between the EU27 and Russia stood at €86.5bn while in 2008 this figure €278.6bn. Ireland supports the development of the EU-Russia relationship and the potential that it offers, not just in economic terms but also in terms of peace and real security for the continent and beyond. We believe that it is important for the EU to build a comprehensive relationship with Russia which covers areas of shared interest and addresses differences.