The 17th meeting of the EU-Russia Permanent Partnership Council on Freedom, Security and Justice, which forms part of EU-Russia dialogue, was held in Moscow on January 17. The Greek Presidency was represented by Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights Haralambos Athanassiou and Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection Nikos Dendias, while EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom represented the European Commission.

The agenda included the entire range of EU-Russia affairs, such as progress in the implementation of the road map for the Common Space on Freedom, Security and Justice, visa and migration, fighting international crime and terrorism, access to justice and judicial cooperation, protection of personal data and human rights.

Athanasiou pointed out the need for further strengthening of joint global efforts to fight international organized crime and terrorism, and expressed his condolences for the recent terrorist attacks in Russia’s Volgograd. On his part, Dendias noted that the EU found the proposal for a coordinated action against terrorism an interesting one and would promote the signing of a joint declaration with the Russian Federation. In the press conference following the meeting, Dendias noted that the EU is interested in issuing a joint declaration with the Russian Federation in combating terrorism and is ready to continue working in order for it to be adopted in time.

More informaiton: Greek EU Presidency