sia; Russian quantitative restrictions on imports from the EU will become extremely limited, ensuring greater access to the Russia services market. Fulfillment of the PCA will resolve a number of outstanding issues: market access, anti-dumping measures, and application of European Investment Bank (EIB) instruments in Russia. The basis of the PCA prevents additional pressure on “sensitive” sectors: textiles, coal and steel products, nuclear materials and agriculture. The PCA contains a safeguard clause allowing both parties to take “appropriate measures” when domestic products are threatened by an increased quantity of imported products. Negotiations on compensatory measures arising from the accession of some Eastern European states to the EU should be initiated. These talks should be based on mutual concessions. Brussels wishes for Moscow to drop trade policies hindering sale of EU-manufactured goods in Russia, e.g., to lift restrictions on European eggs, alcohol, and carpets. At the same time, Brussels appears ready to make some concessions that would make it easier for Russian companies to sell their products in the EU: The fulfillment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)-Russian steel agreement, together with elimination of steel export duties, will allow Russia to negotiate the European Commission’s proposal to reduce the quantities of finished steel products that Russia is allowed to export to the EU, since these products must be considered subsidized. Talks on compensatory measures must begin immediately - any delay will be harmful to all involved. The PCA can be considered as an alternative to accession to the EU: it is a good first step, which needs to be expanded. The Partnership agreement is the epitome of the “variable geometry” of the European integration process. Eastward expansion of the EU must not im...
