Russian meat row simmers down[fr][de] 

A compromise has been reached by Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou in negotiations with Russian Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev in Moscow on 19 December 2006. The agreement, which still needs to be finalised by the Council, aims at signing a memorandum of understanding between the EU and Russia by 18 January 2007. 

Negotiations between the two parties on the conclusion of such an agreement will start as soon as 20 December 2006. On the same day, the Commission will report to the Council on the detailed outcome of the negotiations with Russia authorities so far. 

As a result of the preliminary agreement, Russia will not extend its ban on Polish beef to meat, dairy and fish products from the whole EU after the accession of Bulgaria and Romania on 1 January 2007. 

Commissioner Kyprianou said: "We managed to resolve this issue because we share the same concerns and have the same target, which is to reduce risks but at the same time maintain trade. We appreciate the confidence that the Russian authorities have shown in our high veterinary and food safety standards, which while protecting ourselves also protect Russia." 

After the signature of the final agreement, Poland is expected to lift its veto on the signature of a wide-ranging EU-Russia partnership and co-operation agreement (PCA ) (see EurActiv, 18 December 2006). The PCA, which includes an important chapter on energy, is seen as vital for the interest of EU member states.