A chance for new relations

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson writes in today's edition of the Slovenian daily Delo about the EU-Russia Summit which takes place today: "At the centre of the apparent permanent tensions between the EU and Russia is a communication problem. There are those in Russia who are convinced that the Union wants to put a spoke into the wheels of a revitalised Russia or exploit it economically. Many Europeans, on the other hand, are asking themselves whether Russia is not turning its back on the international community and choosing different political values. The resulting tensions, which have already caused a few political crises, seem to suggest that all efforts to improve our relations are in vain. But the opposite is true. We must commit ourselves to improving relations otherwise we will end up going backward instead of forward. Today's EU-Russia summit is an opportunity to add new dimensions to our relations. For in the 21st century businessmen and entrepreneurs, rather than diplomats, ministers and commissioners, will play a key role in strengthening the economic and political ties between Russia and the EU."

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