2002/240/EC: 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
Date: 2002-03-06
Institutions: EC–Russian Federation Cooperation Council
Subjects: Association Council (EU), Russia

26.3.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 82/9

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,

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

of 6 March 2002

(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.

L 82/10

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

26.3.2002

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.