“Russia’s entry to the WTO is economically advantageous for Europe”

A video bridge was held between Tatar-Inform informational agency (Kazan) and the European Union Delegation to Russia (Moscow). The live broadcast marked the beginning of the television project “Kazan-EU”. Head of the Press and Information Section at the EU Delegation to Russia - Denis Daniilidis, the section staff member responsible for academic cooperation Andrei Kasyanenko, Director General of Tatar-Inform news agency Leonid Tolchinsky, and journalist Oleg Pavlov took part in the discussion.

Denis, a decision on cutting G20 member-states’ budget deficit until 2012 was adopted recently. Is it the European Union’s principle position?

D.D.: Yes, that’s true. Anyway, that’s’ what we do within the EU. It is a real policy. It’s good that G20 approved that.

Belgium has become chairman in the EU. Head of Belgium interim government said the country would struggle for realization of the two “extremely important proposals”. Firstly, it is creation of a structure for controlling financial institutions, which would be capable until the next year; also, establishing regulative framework for speculative funds. How do you conceptualize it?

D.D.: These proposals have been prepared already. The Council of Ministers is expected to approve the mechanism in middle of July. If it happens, the new structures will be in effect, which means the monitoring mechanisms that have existed until the present will be consolidated. In case deficit is exceeded or budgets are infringed, penalties will be much higher.

The Belgian government is unstable – it’s an interim government. Everything may change quite soon. Does the situation worry the European Union?

D.D.: I would say, it’s not the best scenario for us. Though, at present the country chairing the EU doesn’t hold such an important place as it used to be before. There are structures fulfilling certain functions in which the state “heading” the EU is not involved. It concerns the foreign policy as well. For instance, Belgium won’t even participate in the “EU-Russia” summit and the summit with the U.S. That’s why, I believe, there will be a few not large negative consequences of Belgium chairing the EU. Moreover, it is a country with huge experience in public administration. I don’t see any considerable problems in this case.

As far as I understand, the European Union has tackled almost all problems related to Russia’s entry to the World Trade Organization. Probably, it will happen next year. Is the EU preparing to render support to our country’s business, as it will have to deal with new rules?

D.D.: We don’t conceal that Russia’s entry to the WTO is financially advantageous both for the country and Europe. We still have some questions concerning the issue, but that are not very significant. We are ready to support the adaptation process. Partnership includes joint projects. I believe we have colossal outlooks of working in this field.

As I see it, Mr Kasyanenko will have much more work in this connection.

D.D.: Right, certainly.

A.K.: We have new projects in education, beside such well-known programs as “Tempus”, for example. The purpose of such programs is to provide Russian students with an opportunity to receive scholarships for studying in Europe. It would probably be interesting for you to find out that we organize European schools. Undergraduate and graduate students willing to learn more about the European Union take part in such projects.

It’s interesting that, if asked what Russia is, any person in the EU can give an answer. In Russia, the EU sometimes is confused with the Council of Europe. We’d like young people – future professionals – to understand what the European Union is and how to work with it.

Are there any educational programs for journalists?

A.K.: There is a special program for journalists; it targets mainly representatives of regional mass media. Annual seminars are organized to inform journalists about the European Union – for competent coverage of European politics. We are open for those who would like to take part in such events – usually editors.

There is another program which gives an opportunity to see how the EU works on the spot. Journalists can participate in it. Though there is one requirement – speaking English or French is obligatory.

D.D.: I’d like to emphasize that we are preparing a group of mass media representatives for working at “Russia-EU” summit in November. I always insist on taking regional journalists, that’s why most likely there’ll be someone from Kazan. They’ll have a chance to talk to officials, visit the European Commission press-room and give their questions.

I have a question interesting all Russians. Russian Prime Minister said recently that our country is ready for visa-free regime with the European Union in full. Is Europe ready to open?

D.D.: To be honest, we are not entirely ready for this yet. Nevertheless, it concerns both the European Union and Russia. What will happen to the registration system that exists in Russia? What will happen to the consulate officials? We must be honest. The issue concerns both sides. It’s difficult to get a Russian visa as well. It’s a barrier for us. In order to overcome it, certain work must be accomplished. We need to come to an agreement.

By Nina Narykova

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