EU-Russia Summit
Sarkozy - Medvedev
© Frédéric de la Mure - MAEE
- On: 14.11.2008
- In: Nice
The French Presidency has chosen Nice, a city which has strong historical ties to Russia, to host the 22nd EU-Russia Summit.
This summit will be particularly marked by the consequences of this summer's crisis in Georgia, which the French Presidency dealt with by maintaining unity in the Council and dialogue with Russia, as well as closely monitoring compliance with the commitments undertaken. The discussions will focus on the implementation of the provisions of the Medvedev-Sarkozy six-point plan of 12 August 2008.
In keeping with the conclusions of the Extraordinary European Council meeting on 1 September, the Council requested an assessment of the different dimensions of EU-Russia relations. This summit will review the implementation of these conclusions, particularly with regard to negotiations of a future enhanced agreement which should replace the current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
Russia remains a key EU neighbour and partner in political and economic terms: Russia is the EU's third-largest trading partner, and a large share if its exports towards Europe are oil and gas supplies. Current cooperation is based on four specific political areas: these 'common areas' cover economic and environmental issues; freedom, security and justice; external security; research and education including cultural aspects.
The summit programme is as follows:
10:45-11:15 Private meeting (Palais Sarde)
11:45-12:30 Plenary meeting
12:40-13:10 Press conference
13:25 Working lunch
The press centre will be located in the Palais de la Préfecture, on the ‘Conseil général’ side (16 rue Alexandre Marie, 06300 NICE).
Press badges can be collected from the ‘maison des projets’ (Place Pierre Gautier, on the left of the Palais de la Préfecture) on Thursday 13 November 2008 from 16:00 to 20:00 and on Friday 14 November 2008 from 8:00 to 12:00.
- Updated: 29.12.2008
