Date of release : 01-03-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

The European Union and Russia launched today regular consultations on human rights. The aim of these consultations is to discuss issues related to human rights and fundamental freedoms in an open, constructive, and balanced manner. Agreement on these consultations was reached, upon proposal by the European Union, at the latest EU/Russia summit in The Hague on 25 November 2004.

Meeting in Luxembourg, senior officials from the EU and Russia discussed the internal human rights situation in the European Union and Russia, as well as international human rights issues.

Discussions covered preparations for the annual UN Commission for Human Rights in Geneva in March/April, as well as co-operation in the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The EU raised specific concerns about the human rights situation in Russia, notably the situation in Chechnya, independence of the media, the situation of human rights defenders, as well as the phenomenon of racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

In response to Russian concerns about the situation of persons belonging to minorities in the European Union, the EU recalled that the two sides in April last year had welcomed EU membership as a firm guarantee for the protection of human rights and the protection of persons belonging to minorities.

Discussions were productive and held in a friendly atmosphere. The next consultations are planned to take place later this year.

The EU troika was lead by Ambassador Julien Alex and Ambassador Carlo Krieger of the Luxembourg EU Presidency. The Russian delegation was lead by Vladimir Parchikov director for humanitarian cooperation and human rights, Russian Ministry for Foreign Affairs.