Date of release : 25-02-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

Event : EU-Russia (Troika)

On 28 February, Jean Asselborn, Minister for Foreign Affairs and current President of the Council of the European Union, will welcome the Russian Foreign Minister Sergej Lavrov for an EU-Russia Ministerial Troika meeting at Senningen Castle in Luxembourg. 

Alongside Minister Asselborn, the European Union delegation will include the High Representative Javier Solana and External Relations and European Neighbourhood Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

The meeting will focus on the "four spaces" roadmaps currently under negotiation between the EU and Russia (in particular the common space on external security), which are to be adopted at the EU-Russia summit on 10 May 2005.

At the EU-Russia Summit in St. Petersburg in May 2003, the EU and Russia agreed to intensify their strategic cooperation in four areas (called "four spaces"): economy; freedom, security and justice; external security; research and education. Through the creation of these common spaces, the EU and Russia will be able to cooperate more closely on common concerns and cross-border issues, such as the fight against terrorism, illegal immigration and organized crime.

The two parties will also have an exchange of views on international and regional issues, such as the Western Balkans, the Middle East Peace Process, Iran, Georgia, Moldova and the role of the OSCE.