Borrel advocated for clarification of EU-Russia relations

They are based on principles that are “insufficiently detailed”, said the Head of European Diplomacy

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrel believes that the European Union should clarify the nature of its relations with Russia. He said this in an interview published by Le Monde in its Friday issue. Borrel answered the question that “it is not easy to clearly define and establish whether Russia is a partner or an opponent”.

In his view, the EU’s relationship with Russia is based on principles that are “insufficiently detailed”. “We should now clarify them,” said the head of European diplomacy.

According to Borrel, “there are different points of view” regarding further development of relations with Russia in the EU. According to one of them, he said, the European Union should work with Russia where both sides have the same position.

However, Borrel acknowledged that Moscow and Brussels have serious differences of opinion on a number of issues. In this regard, he reiterated his criticism of Russia in connection with the Alexei Navalny incident and also expressed the EU’s disagreement with the Russian position on Ukraine. “However, this should not overshadow many other aspects of our relationship,” Borrel concluded.