On 7 June regular Russia – EU expert consultations on Western Balkans were held in Brussels within the established framework of Russia – EU Political Dialogue. A meeting was also held with the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union on EU enlargement issues.
Ambassador Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, Director of the 4th European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Russian delegation. The EU was represented by Eduard Auer, Head of Western Balkans Division of the European External Action Service, and Mila Petrovich, Chair of COELA Working Party.
A detailed and constructive discussion was held on a broad range of issues of the current Balkan agenda, including the cooperation of Russia and the EU with countries of the region.
An understanding was confirmed to hold the next round of consultations in the second semester of 2018.
