1 June 2010: The EU and the Russian Federation have launched a new partnership for modernization, including on energy and climate change, on the occasion of the 25th EU-Russia Summit, which took place in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on 31 May-1 June 2010.
During the Summit, leaders discussed how to move the international negotiation process on climate change forward, and how to cooperate concretely on measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They also discussed energy and energy-security related issues, including energy efficiency and sustainable energy development. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, stated that the EU and the Russian Federation already work closely on moving the international climate negotiations forward and will now also cooperate on promoting a low-carbon economy, through the exchange of expertise and joint research and an enhanced energy dialogue based on an improved legal framework.
Barroso also underlined that the Summit identified concrete priorities for the Partnership that aims to advance the EU and the Russian Federation’s economies, as well as contribute to global recovery and stronger international economic governance. According to the resulting Joint Statement, priority areas of the Partnership for Modernization include: improving transport; promoting a sustainable low-carbon economy and energy efficiency, as well as international negotiations on fighting climate change; enhancing cooperation in innovation, research and development, and space; and enhancing dialogue with civil society to foster participation of individuals and business. [EU Press Release] [Barroso’s Speech][Joint Statement]