The Committee of the European Parliament: Relations strategy with Russia should be changed

MEPs intend to change relations strategy with Moscow because of lack of real, not declarative improvements in Putin's Russia.

The Committee of the European Parliament on Foreign Affairs believes the partnership with the European Union is subject to careful review due to violations of democratic principles and human rights in Russia. . The statement adopted on the eve of the meeting says, Deutsche Welle reports.

It is noted that this agreement on cooperation between the European Union and Russia stipulates that their relations "are based on the principles of democracy and respect for human rights", keynote speaker Gabrielius Landsbergis recalled. And now, according to the MEP, "it is time to note that these fundamental provisions are not respected".

He believes the normalization of relations between the EU and Russia is possible only if the Kremlin fully comply with the Minsk agreements, as well as to stop aggressing the territorial integrity of Ukraine. And if the situation "does not improve", Europe may exert "more pressure".

The text on relations between the EU and Russia will be submitted to the voting in the European Parliament in June 2015. The draft document provides for tougher sanctions if Moscow does not fully comply with the Minsk agreements on a ceasefire and return of Crimea to Ukraine.

It should be reminded that earlier the relevant committee of the European Committee adopted a report on counteraction to Moscow propaganda where he called on the EU to seek Russian agents, as well as to provide step up support to Russian oppositionists.