Russia in Global Affairs

From the point of view of the vital and long-term interests of Russia and the EU, it would be more preferable for them to conclude a Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement than a modified and improved PCA in the form of PCA-2. However, in the last three to five years, Brussels has been less inclined to look for mutually acceptable compromise solutions.

In drafting a free trade area agreement, both Russia and the EU must avoid unjustified pessimism and excessive expectations, not to mention euphoria. The drafting of such an agreement is going to be a long-term process, which Russia should enter only after careful and intensive preparations.