ECIPE Breakfast Briefing: EU-Russia Relations – What Next?

Russia’s economy has been hit hard by the global crisis and falling energy prices. How is the crisis affecting domestic and foreign policies in Russia? In particular, what is becoming of President Medvedev’s pledge to strengthen the rule of law? Is there a chance that Russia’s external relations become normalized? In particular: How can the EU improve its relations to Russia and tilt them towards rules and transparency? What is the role of new Russian treaty initiatives?

Energy is the heart of the matter. Soaring energy prices until mid-2008 have triggered a drive for re-nationalization of energy assets and monopolization of energy markets around a few state-controlled behemoths. This has involved spectacularly dubious business methods, backed up by the Kremlin. Internationally, the monopoly Gazprom has become a tool in Russia’s power aspirations in its neighbourhood, and one of the EU’s greatest headaches. Russia’s heavy-handed state intervention in the energy sector is one of the main areas for reform if normalized and rules-based energy relations are to set in with the EU and Russia’s close neighbours.

ECIPE is pleased to welcome Robert Amsterdam to speak on one of the most contentious issues in EU policy circles. Robert Amsterdam is a prominent international lawyer with experience in complex emerging markets such as Venezuela and Nigeria. He has gained particular attention for the defense of former CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky, whose current second trial is a test-case for Russia’s coming developments.

Speaker: Robert Amsterdam, Partner, Amsterdam & Peroff
Time: Wednesday the 20th of May, 8.00-10.00 am
RSVP no later than May 18 to info@ecipe.org

Programme
8.00 Registrations and coffee reception
8.30 Welcoming remarks by Fredrik Erixon, Director, ECIPE
8.40 Presentation by Robert Amsterdam, Partner, Amsterdam & Peroff
9.10 Discussion
10.00 Close of event