European Parliament
Raül Romeva i Rueda  (Verts/ALE ),
in writing.
– In favour. The EP notes the OSCE/ODIHR and PACE reports on the Duma elections, which state that the elections did not meet election standards as defined by the OSCE and were marked by the convergence of the state and the governing party, by procedural violations, apparent manipulation and a lack of independence of the election administration; is concerned that the outcome of the elections (the composition of the Duma) will not bring improvements as regards the role and influence of the Duma within Russia’s political system; calls on its Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee to consistently raise the issue of democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law with the Russian counterparts; and calls, furthermore, for an assessment of the activities of the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, and the intensification of the dialogue with the non-parliamentary opposition and civil society.

