EU-Russia: Juncker's Attendance of SPIEF Sign to Begin EU-Russia Dialogue

It is high time for reconcilliation

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s attendance of the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is a sign that the EU is ready to begin dialogue with Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

Peskov said, however, that Juncker’s visit to St. Petersburg would not mean an immediate thaw in relations as time is needed to rebuild trust.

“Yes, Mr. Juncker’s arrival is expected and we’re preparing for this. Overall the issue of relations between Russia and the European Union is extremely important for the Russian Federation. [Relations] aren’t currently at their best,” Peskov told journalists.

Russia’s relations with the European Union will be discussed during a special session at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum (SPIEF) organized by the Valdai discussion club.

The SPIEF is an international economic and business event, which attracts politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists and media from all over the world to discuss the most significant issues for Russia and the global community. The next SPIEF forum is scheduled for June 16-18.

Note EU-Digest: Compliments to Jean-Claude Juncker - Obviously the US does not like for the EU to decide about its own destiny, specially when it comes to foreign policy and military activities, regardless of all the mess it brought the EU in so far - Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and the refugee crises. It is high time the EU considers it's own interests first - improving relations with Russia on our own continent should certainly be a major priority.

Read more: Juncker's Attendance of SPIEF Sign to Begin EU-Russia Dialogue - Kremlin

Russia: It's High Time For The EU To Bring Russia Back Into The European Equation As A Partner

Russia and the EU : Partners For Progress and Peace

Almost everyone now recognizes that Russia’s military intervention in Syria to defeat the so-called Islamic State terror group was the right call to make.

 Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t crowing about it. He doesn’t have to.

The Russian intervention so far has proven to be a stunning success, that is indisputable.  Vladimir Putin and the Russian military ought to be particularly praised for having set goals fully
commensurate with their real capabilities.

Putin’s vindication was made clear by the enthusiastic reception afforded to him at the recent summit of G20 leaders in Turkey.. The Financial Times headlined: “Putin transformed from outcast to problem solver at the G20”.

In the meantime the so-called allies of the West in the Middle East, including, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf Arab states, have been exposed, not only by foes but also by friends for having been the major funding and facilitators of the jihadist terrorist brigades.

Putin also highlighted these "bad links" of our own Western alliance at the G20 summit, when he announced that the financing of the terror networks in Syria has come from “40 states, including members of the G20”.

During the G20 summit and on other occasions French President Hollande called for the U.S. and Russia to set aside their policy divisions over Syria and "fight this terrorist army in a broad, single coalition.". It seems to have worked..

Putin followed up  by offering Russian naval coordination with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the eastern Mediterranean for future airstrikes against ISIL.

All this goes far beyond the usual rhetoric and shows that Vladimir Putin has true leadership qualities on tackling terrorism in Syria and beyond., obviously, also, as any political leader would subscribe to, with motives of self interest.

But, when the whole Middle East was on the verge of an implosion and Europe overwhelmed by refugees, Putin stepped up to the plate.

As the old English proverb goes: "cometh the hour, cometh the man".

Maybe it's time, therefore, that the EU gets more serious and involved into what the Germans describe as  "Realpolitiek" and bring Russia back into the European fold as a partner.?


EU-Digest