EU and Russia Should Keep Channels of Dialogue Open

The Valdai Club report presentation showed that there are still huge differences of opinions about what next to do with Russia-EU relations

On May 17, in Brussels, the Valdai Discussion Club presented its report titled “On May 17, 2016, in Brussels, the Valdai Discussion Club presented its report titled "Russia and the European Union: Three Questions Concerning New Principles in Bilateral Relations"”, based on "six principles", which Russia should be guided by in contacts with the European Union in response to the "five principles" of the EU's relations with Russia, released by the European Commission in March, 2016.

Amanda Paul, Senior Policy Analyst of the Brussels-based European Policy Centre (EPC), said in interview with valdaiclub.com, that in spite of a rather tense political environment between Russia and the European Union the discussions were very interesting.

The report presentation showed that there are still huge differences of opinions about what next to do with Russia-EU relations. Certainly, not everyone agreed with the report content. "But in any case the most important point is to keep with innovative ideas about how the relationship can move forward," - said Amanda Paul.

According to Amanda Paul, further relationship between Russia and EU could be rather difficult because of continued confrontation, even clashes in the Russian neighborhood, and differences vis-à-vis Ukraine.

"We need to look at the areas where we can cooperate, such as counter-terrorism, energy etc. The key thing is keep channels of dialogue open," – said EPC expert.

EPC is the leading Brussels-based think tank. Its work is focused on forming the programs for the European world, supporting and challenging European decision-makers at all levels to make informed decisions based on evidence and analysis in such areas as foreign policy, migration, economic programs. EPC carries out about 400 events a year together with publications on different issues including those related to Russia. The strategic partner of EPC is King Baudouin Foundation.
Views expressed are of individual Members and Contributors, rather than the Club's, unless explicitly stated otherwise.