On May 11, 2017, at 11.00, the Valdai Discussion Club will hold a presentation of the report, titled "The European Union’s Uncertain Future: What Should Russia Do?"

       For 25 years after the emergence of the European Union and the Russian Federation their relations have experienced ups and downs. But throughout this period Europe remained a strong, relatively united player, able to lead the dialogue. The European Union institutions always and consistently were ready to put forward projects and initiatives, open negotiating platforms and offer a relatively positive agenda through the whole spectrum of relations.

       Now the situation has changed. The reason is the internal transformation of the European Union, expressed in a series of crises. They affect both the political and economic aspects of the EU life. The institutions of the European Union and the member states were not ready to answer the overestimated expectations and demands in the field of political integration.

       In the next 10-15 years Moscow itself will have to offer more actively projects and initiatives to the EU countries and the European integration institutions, both in politics and in the economy. Now we need to discuss openly a number of important issues. What does the EU crisis mean for Russia? What should be the strategy of Russia in relation to its most important foreign trade partner in conditions of its systemic transformation? How far can go the disintegration processes in Europe? What practical measures should the partners of the European Union take to reduce the negative consequences of the European problems? How do we see the strategic future of relations between Russia and other European countries? What will be the future of Europe after the elections in France?

       Speakers:

       ？ Alexei Meshkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

       ？ Andrey Bystritskiy, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Development and Support Fund of the Valdai Discussion Club

       ？ Timofei Bordachev, Programme Director of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club

       Venue: Valdai Discussion Club Conference hall (Bolshaya Tatarskaya 42, Moscow Russia)

       Working Language: Russian

       Information for media: To attend, please fill out the accreditation form. If you have any questions, please call +7 (926) 031-18-60 (Sergey Melnikov, Public Relations Department).