Poland blocks EU talks with Russia - setback for Helsinki summit
Anna Fotyga
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European Union Presidency-holder Finland suffered a new setback on Monday when Poland broke the consensus among EU member states at a Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels, and blocked the rapid launch of talks between the EU and Russia on a new partnership agreement.
The launch of the discussions was to have been a major part of the agenda of next week’s EU-Russia summit, which will be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The partnership agreement is intended to serve as a framework for developing relations between the EU and Russia. However, negotiations on the matter cannot start until a mandate is acquired from all 25 EU member states.
Poland said that before it can agree to the discussions, Russia should first agree to basic rules on energy.
Poland is also angered by a ban imposed by Russia on imports of Polish meat.
"We do not want to back down", said Polish Foreign Minister Anna Fotgya, adding that Poland expects a "clear political signal" from Russia.
Russia is the most important supplier of energy for the EU countries. The majority of EU countries want the energy issue to be included in the partnership agreement.
Helsingin Sanomat has learned that one of the reasons for Poland’s attitude is the perception that stern tactics are the only ones that work in dealings with Russia.
Finland has struggled in recent weeks to get Poland to change its views. Persuasion has been attempted both on the ministerial and official level - so far with meagre results.
Domestic Polish confusion has made the matter more difficult. Officials in Warsaw are afraid of making even the smallest decisions without assurances of the approval of the President and Prime Minister, twin brothers Lech and Jaroslaw Kaczynski.
The European Commission and member states, particularly Germany, have also tried in vain to get Poland to be more flexible.
If Poland cannot be persuaded to change its mind, the agenda upcoming EU-Russia summit in Helsinki next week would lose what was to have been its most important item.
Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja nevertheless expressed optimism late Monday.
A delay in the partnership talks would give an unpleasant signal of a lack of discord within the EU. A unified policy toward Russia has been a high priority for the Finnish EU Presidency.
Finland’s diplomatic efforts have failed in two other important areas - the Cyprus question, and proposed legislation on working hours.
European External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner insists that there will be no legal vacuum even if the talks are not launched. In the meantime, Russia and the EU will continue implementing the previous treaty, which is nearly ten years old.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 14.11.2006 - TODAY |
 Poland blocks EU talks with Russia - setback for Helsinki summit
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