Just a week before the EU-Russia summit on 26 October in Mafra, Portugal, national parties from across the EU that are part of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (ELDR) agreed on a resolution calling on European Union member states “to develop a common strategy for partnership with Russia and the Russian people based on the common values of justice freedom and democracy”. “This strategy should be the foundation for a more unequivocal and by that more powerful European voice towards the undemocratic developments in Russia,” says the ELDR. The resolution was put forward by the Liberal Democrats, an ELDR member party from the UK, and passed during the ELDR’s annual congress in Berlin, from 18 to 19 October. The resolution “supports member party Yabloko and all citizens of Russia who desire to live in democratic, free, and open society”. The ELDR resolution expresses concern that the present political trends in Russia are contrary to the principles of democracy, human rights and rule of law and that these trends could result in a situation where the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in Russia will not be considered as free and fair. The ELDR adds that this “might lead to the serious and undesirable consequences to EU-Russia relations”. The ELDR goes on to say that the Putin government is seeking to “‘manage’ democracy by imposing high minimum thresholds for parties to participate in national and provincial legislatures; by banning parties from participation in elections for spurious reasons with the assistance of a flawed Electoral Commission; by banning or breaking up free demonstrations; harassing NGOs who seek to promote democracy”. “Press freedom is curtailed, several journalists have been murdered, all TV stations have passed to the control of the State or State-controlled organisations, and opposition politicians have limited access to the media, even at election times,” says the ELDR.The ELDR resolution encourages the negotiation of a long-term agreement with Russia establishing trade and development links between Russia and the European Union, including in the area of environmental co-operation but adds that any such agreements must be “subject to Russia becoming a full multi-party democracy, operating a free market economy and respecting the rule of domestic and international law”.“European Union member states need to stand as one and strongly encourage Russia to accelerate its development towards a real democracy in the best interests of both Russia and the EU. The EU-Russia summit is a good opportunity for EU leaders to make that clear to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin,” said ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts.For more information, contact Julian Hale on 00 32 (0)2 237 0143 or communication@eldr.eu