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Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the European Union

Submitted on 2019-12-18 10:35:16

Russia – EU expert consultations held on Western Balkans and EU Enlargement

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On 29 November 2019 regular expert consultations on Western Balkans (COWEB) and EU Enlargement (COELA) were held in Brussels within the established framework of Russia – EU Political Dialogue.

Mr. Iurii Pilipson, Director of the 4th European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Russian delegation. The EU was represented by Ms Elsa Fenet, Head of Western Balkans Division of the European External Action Service, and Mr. Markku Lampinen, Director for South-Eastern Europe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

A detailed and constructive discussion was held on a broad range of topical issues on the current Balkans agenda, including Russia’s and EU cooperation with countries of the region. The Russian side stressed the importance of the fact that EU policy of integration of Western Balkans countries should not be linked to creating artificial barriers to further development of their bilateral relations with Russia.

An agreement was confirmed to hold the next round of consultations in the first half of 2020.