Lords inquiry into EU relations with Russia hears from former Ambassador and regional expert
Against a backdrop of increasing EU sanctions on Russia, a House of Lords Committee will tomorrow continue its investigation into the relationship between the European Union and Russia.
On Thursday 24 July the House of Lords EU Sub-Committee on External Affairs will turn their spotlight on to issues of British and EU diplomacy with Russia, the EU's relationship with its immediate neighbours to the east, and energy dependence.
Former British Ambassador to Russia Sir Tony Brenton, and an expert on Russia's foreign relations, John Lough, will give evidence.
At 10.05 the Committee will hear from Sir Tony Brenton, from Wolfson College, Cambridge, and also from John Lough, Associate Fellow at independent policy institute Chatham House.
Areas the Committee may cover include:
- How effective is diplomacy, at both the British and EU level, towards Russia?
- Should the EU discuss human rights and democratic freedom in negotiations with Russia?
- Are the EU's relations with countries in the Eastern neighbourhood compatible with relations with Russia?
- How should the EU handle the ambitions of some countries in the eastern neighbourhood to move closer to NATO membership?
- Is Russian money-laundering in the EU being addressed adequately?
- What should the EU be doing to address energy dependence on Russia?
The evidence session will start at 10.05 am on Thursday 24 July in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords.
The session will be webcast at www.parliamentlive.tv and is also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.
