Juncker's Participation at SPIEF Step Toward Russia-EU Ties' Normalization

The very fact that European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has taken part in the 2016 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is a sign of Russia and the European Union moving toward normalization of bilateral relations, Vladimir Chizhov, Russia's ambassador to the European Union, said Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, Juncker said he enjoyed being at SPIEF in Russia despite some people disliking the idea of his participation in the forum.

"The fact that Juncker is participating at SPIEF and his contacts with the Russian president is a definite step toward restoration of our relations. Maybe it will be a new normality… but perhaps it will be more pragmatic," Chizov said at SPIEF.

SPIEF started at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre in St. Petersburg earlier on Thursday and will continue until June 18.