Decision of the Cooperation Council between the European Communities, and their Member States, of the one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part,

of 6 March 2002

to establish a joint High-Level Group to elaborate the concept of a common European economic space

(2002/240/EC)

THE COOPERATION COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Agreement on partnership and cooperation establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part(1), and in particular Article 93 thereof,

Whereas:

(1) At the EU-Russia Summit on 3 October 2001, the parties agreed to establish a joint High-Level Group to elaborate the concept of a common European economic space.

(2) The High-Level Group should be established by the Cooperation Council,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The High-Level Group to elaborate the concept of a common European economic space is hereby established. The terms of reference of the High-Level Group are attached.

Done at Brussels, 6 March 2002.

For the Cooperation Council

The Chairman

J. Piqué i Camps

(1) OJ L 327, 28.11.1997, p. 3.

ANNEX

EU-Russia High-Level Group charged with elaborating the concept of a common European economic space

1. The High-Level Group will meet in principle twice a year.

2. The Group will be co-chaired by representatives of the Russian Federation and of the European Union.

3. The task of the High-Level Group is to elaborate a concept for a closer economic relationship between Russia and the EU, based on the wider goal of bringing the EU and Russia closer together. The High-Level Group will consider the opportunities offered by greater economic integration and legislative approximation and assess options for further work. It will also identify means and mechanisms to achieve common objectives and consider the timescale for implementation. In its work, the High-Level Group will not replace or duplicate the activities of the cooperation bodies created within the PCA. If need be, existing PCA bodies will give any technical input to the work of the High-Level Group. If necessary, experts of both sides could be invited to take part in the work of the Group. The High-Level Group will fully take into consideration the obligations that result from the current or future participation of the parties in the World Trade Organisation.

4. The High-Level Group will define the core elements which will need to be put in place in order to create a common European economic space.

5. The outcome of discussions in the High-Level Group will be brought to the attention of relevant PCA bodies, including summits. The mandate and its implementation will be reviewed by the EU-Russia Summit not later than October 2003.