Legal framework
The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
The legal basis for EU relations with Russia is the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which came into force on 1 December 1997 for an initial duration of 10 years. The PCA, being renewed annually since 2007, remains the legal basis for EU-Russia relations until replaced by a new agreement.
The PCA covers a wide range of policy areas including political dialogue; trade in goods and services; business and investment; financial and legislative cooperation; science and technology; education and training; energy, cooperation in nuclear and space technology; environment, transport; culture; and the prevention of illegal activities.
The PCA recalls the parties' shared respect for democracy and human rights, political and economic freedom and commitment to international peace and security.
The June 2008 Summit in Khanty Mansiysk, Russia, saw the launch of negotiations of a new EU-Russia Agreement to replace the PCA, building on the four Common Spaces.
Sectoral agreements
The PCA is complemented by a number of sectoral agreements.
For a list and texts of EU – Russia bilateral agreements click here.