The news:

The second EU-Russia Summit in 2009 will be held in Stockholm. During the Summit leaders will discuss burning global issues like the response to the financial and economic crisis including the increased role of the G20 as well as climate change and energy security. Just weeks before the conference in Copenhagen on climate change leaders will discuss how to best coordinate their actions in order to achieve an ambitious and comprehensive global deal. The Summit will address international foreign policy issues like Afghanistan/Pakistan, non-proliferation, Iran, the Corfu Process and frozen conflicts in the Common Neighbourhood as well as bilateral issues including the state of play in the negotiations on a new agreement between the EU and Russia.

A meeting of the Industrialists' Round Table will take place right after the Summit.

The Commission will be represented by President José Manuel Barroso, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Ms Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and Commissioner for Trade, Baroness Catherine Ashton.

The background:

Russia is a strategic partner for the EU in addressing global challenges ranging from climate change and energy security to foreign policy hotspots like Afghanistan/Pakistan, Iran, the Common Neighbourhood.

Since September 2008, the EU and Russia are negotiating a new EU-Russia agreement. Six rounds have been completed so far.

The ongoing bilateral cooperation is based on four specific policy areas. These “ common spaces ”, cover economic issues and the environment; Freedom, Security & Justice; External Security; and Research & Education, including cultural aspects.

The event

• Video and photo coverage by EbS of the EU-Russia Summit in Stockholm