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Poland could veto EU-Russia plan | Poland could veto EU-Russia plan |
(about 5 hours later) | |
EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to consider proposals on a new partnership with Russia covering energy, trade and human rights. | |
They are hoping to reach agreement in time to launch negotiations at an EU summit with Russia's President Vladimir Putin on 24 November. | They are hoping to reach agreement in time to launch negotiations at an EU summit with Russia's President Vladimir Putin on 24 November. |
However, Poland is threatening to veto the proposals unless Moscow lifts a ban on Polish meat imports. | However, Poland is threatening to veto the proposals unless Moscow lifts a ban on Polish meat imports. |
It also wants Russia to commit to an international energy pact. | It also wants Russia to commit to an international energy pact. |
Russia supplies a quarter of the oil and gas consumed in the EU, and the proportion is set to rise sharply in coming decades. | Russia supplies a quarter of the oil and gas consumed in the EU, and the proportion is set to rise sharply in coming decades. |
Energy exports | Energy exports |
The EU has been trying for years to get Russia to sign the Energy Charter Treaty without success. | The EU has been trying for years to get Russia to sign the Energy Charter Treaty without success. |
But Russia has been unwilling to ratify the charter, which makes it easier for foreign companies to invest in the Russian energy sector. | |
The EU now wants to enshrine many of the treaty's principles into a wider co-operation agreement with Russia. | |
However, statements by Russian officials have shown the country's increasing interest in exporting gas and oil to Asian markets, stoking fears that Europe could lose out. | However, statements by Russian officials have shown the country's increasing interest in exporting gas and oil to Asian markets, stoking fears that Europe could lose out. |
Russian oil and gas companies have benefited from high fuel prices in recent years and have become keen to expand their businesses. | Russian oil and gas companies have benefited from high fuel prices in recent years and have become keen to expand their businesses. |