Expressed concerns to Russia

Cecilia Malmstrom Blog

Once a year, the presidency and I, meet Russia’s ministers of justice and home affairs to discuss current topics within the area of justice, freedom and security – visa, human trafficking, drug smuggling, justice and migration. This permanent dialogue also includes human rights, corruption and the rule of law.

Today, the meeting was held in Nicosia, Cyprus, together with the Cypriote minister of Justice and minister of Home affairs. Russia is an important partner to the EU, and I have met the Russian minister of justice Alexander Konovalov several times. The meeting included a review of the general situation, especially the negotiations on visa liberalisation. This is done according an action plan, the so called “common steps”, where there is progress, but slow. Meanwhile, we facilitate in different ways the visa procedures between Russia and EU, making it easier for our citizens, tourists and businessmen to travel between EU and Russia.

Speaking on behalf of the EU, I expressed our concerns about the developments on the area of human rights and justice in Russia. We have seen several worrying examples lately – the severe and disproportionate sentence against the group Pussy Riot, the new law against NGO:s, the so called LGBT propaganda laws, and the Sergei Magnitsky case – for which we expect an independent investigation. The people accountable for his death must be brought to justice. онлайн займы unshaven girl https://zp-pdl.com/fast-and-easy-payday-loans-online.php https://zp-pdl.com/get-a-next-business-day-payday-loan.php быстрые займы онлайн