EU-Russia Relations Should be Institutionalized

Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of the Soviet Union I June 13, 2008

Russia's main challenge is the modernization of its economy, politics, and society. ++ President Medvedev has singled out the rule of law as a particularly significant aspect of the reforms. ++ The EU should support these reform efforts, not by setting various conditions or by lecturing, but by engaging Russia in a comprehensive dialogue. ++ In the future, an advanced Russian-European partnership should be institutionalized, with joint bodies for decision-making and implementation. ++ This would be beneficial for both sides.