The estimation of the situation in Russia-EU relations will become an important basis to hold the coming Russia-EU summit, he said, noting that ten new members' joining the EU does not mean the creation of new dividing lines. Relations with Russia are one of the main components in Europe's construction, the ambassador said.
In his words, the EU is already working on the report on Russia-EU relations. The report's main provisions will be discussed at the session of EU ministers, to take place February 24.
The ambassador also recalled that another priority of Ireland's chairmanship in the EU will be the extension of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement concluded between the European Union and Russia onto the new members of the EU.
The new countries will join the EU on this May 1, and the European Union will then include 25 instead of 15 members, he recalled. In connection with this, in Harman's words, it's necessary to sign an additional protocol that would extend the partnership and cooperation agreement onto the new EU members.
