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Work
programme of the Swedish Presidency,
14 December 2000 |
Programme of the
Swedish Presidency
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EU-Russia
Cooperation between the EU and Russia is of fundamental significance for the security and development of Europe. This issue has therefore been given high priority. The Presidency intends to continue energetically the implementation of the EU common strategy taking into account the general political context. A long-term perspective and an intensified political dialogue are necessary. The issues that should be at the centre of attention include: – support for civil society and free
opinion forming
The Northern Dimension The EU's Northern Dimension provides
an important platform for developing the EU's commitment to the Baltic
Sea region. The Northern Dimension should be given more concrete content
based on the special character of the region. It should strengthen cooperation
across the EU's external borders in northern Europe. It is also essential
to develop regional cooperation, for example, through the Council of the
Baltic Sea States, the Barents Euro-Arctic Council and the Arctic Council.
The Presidency aims to follow up the EU guidelines and action plan for
the Northern Dimension for the period 2000-2003. Special attention should
be given to the Union's relations with Kaliningrad.
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