European Parliament
Boris Zala  (S&D ). -
Mr President, Russia faces its most competitive elections in some time. Even if the winner can easily be predicted, the impact on Russian politics is unpredictable.
For the EU, the immediate challenge is to help ensure a fair and inclusive electoral process and to be prepared for a range of scenarios. But we should not lose sight of the big picture. Regardless of the outcome, Russia will be, politically, a different country from a year ago. Pressures for political and economic reforms will only grow. Russia’s internal evolution will have major implications for our bilateral relations in terms of political dialogue, trade, visa policy, human rights and possibly also the broader security environment in Europe.
There is a strategic opportunity for a new and more effective EU policy towards Russia, but we need to readjust our policy in a flexible and timely manner. I am hopeful that Baroness Ashton and her team, besides preparing for the presidential elections, also have their eye on this bigger picture.

