10.05.2010 []
The Delegation of the European Commission to Russia has published its quarterly report for January to March 2010. For a first impression, here the introduction:
"The first quarter of 2010 saw the continued consolidation of political structures in Russia with regional elections less criticised than those in October 2009 but still flawed. However on 29 March Moscow was violently reminded of the continuing conflict in the North Caucasus by the explosion of two bombs in the metro set off by women suicide bombers killing 40 people and injuring over 100.
Relations with Ukraine began to improve following the election of President Yanukovich while new difficulties emerged with Belarus. President Medvedev and the Government continued to emphasise the need for modernisation of Russia and a number of activities in the economic, industrial and educational/research sectors were linked to this.
The post-crisis economic recovery continued although the pace remained slow and some indicators actually fell back. However with the price of oil remaining relatively high the prospects for growth are good. The formation of the customs union with Belarus and Kazakhstan has become a key external trade priority, consolidating the tariff increases introduced by Russia in 2009."
