Laar calls for common EU stance on Russia

BERLIN -- Speaking at the opening event of the European Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin, the chairman of Estonia's Pro Patria and Res Publica Union (IRL) Mart Laar called on Europe to form a common foreign policy in dealing with Russia.

"Europe has left countries which are aspiring to adopt a Western orientation, such as Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, under pressure from Russia and hasn't helped them effectively, focusing on economic cooperation with Russia," Laar, twice former prime minister of Estonia, said.

At the same event a report on EU-Russia relations was presented which criticizes the current lack of coordination in Europe's policy toward Russia.

Laar said that apart from political support, countries seeking a Western orientation need concrete measures of support such as the conclusion of free trade treaties and eased visa regulations.

"Europe has granted Russia more privileges in a number of areas than to Ukraine or Georgia," Laar said.

Laar also expressed his concern over the halting of the EU enlargement process, which may lead to a new destabilization of the situation in the Balkans.

The session of the European Council on Foreign Relations was opened on Friday by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The European Council on Foreign Relations was launched in October 2007 to promote a more integrated European foreign policy in support of shared European interests and values. ECFR was founded by a council whose members include serving and former ministers and parliamentarians, business leaders, academics, journalists and public intellectuals. Their aim is to promote a new strategic culture at the heart of European foreign policy.