Cooperation with Russian Federation Authorities
The Association of European Businesses maintains good working relations with officials at all levels. Exchanges between the AEB and the Russian authorities take place both in closed forums, through the AEB committees, as well as through round tables, seminars and conferences open to all members. The AEB also is widening its circle of contacts in Russia’s regions. It is already represented in the Krasnodar and is in active contact with other regional administrations based on the investment priorities of AEB members.
AEB committees work in close contact with authorities relevant to their field in order to solve issues of concern to European business in Russia and in order to improve Russia’s investment climate. One of the most significant and successful results of this cooperation is the establishment of hotlines on issues of visas and work permits and customs. The hotlines serve to channel members’ problems and concerns directly to those in a position to affect concrete change.
The AEB has held several conferences on investment in Russia, with the aim of changing the negative perception many Europeans have of Russia. The AEB continues to show the Russian government that we know not only what the current problems are, but that we also support ongoing reforms to solve these problems.
Cooperation with European Union Authorities
The Association of European Businesses in the Russian Federation is the natural link between the Russian authorities and the European Union (EU) on issues of trade, investment and economic development. The AEB regularly meets with representatives from both the European Commission in Brussels and its representatives at the Delegation of the European Commission to the Russian Federation in Moscow. The AEB has also been actively involved in projects of the EU’s Technical Assistance programme (TACIS).
Regular discussions are held with the various EU commissioners and other top-level representatives of the European Union. These meetings cover the topics of concern to AEB members, particularly changes in legislation that may affect their activities in the Russian Federation. AEB Members also plays a key role in giving advice on the involvement of the EU in Russia’s WTO negotiations.
Delegation of the European Commission to the Russian Federation
The AEB committees work together with the Delegation of the European Commission to the Russian Federation in order to raise issues of concern and give advice on investment and trade in Russia. In turn, the Delegation hosts meetings and offers advice on EU policy regarding Russia. A representative of the Economic Section of the Delegation holds a non-voting seat on the AEB Council of National Representatives.
Common European Space
The AEB supports the concept of the Common European Spaces, which are based on agreements between Russia’s government and the governments of the European Union member states made in 2003 and 2004.
The aim of these agreements is to strengthen EU-RF relations by creating four common «spaces» or areas of closer cooperation.
Common Economic Space:
- economic integration;
- regulatory convergence;
- increased, diversified EU-Russia trade and investment;
- increased cooperation on transport, telecommunications and energy.
Common Space on Freedom, Security and Justice:
- long-term creation of visa free regime;
- implementation of Europol-Russia agreement;
- conclusion of negotiations on readmission as well as signature;
- ratification of outstanding border agreements with Estonia and Latvia.
Common Space on External Security:
- effective multilateralism;
- increased cooperation to promote stability in the EU-Russia common neighbourhood;
- cooperation to combat new threats, including terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Common Space on Research, Education and Culture:
- cooperation on science and technology;
- cooperation on education and culture, including Russian participation in EU education exchange programmes.
Here you can find more Information regarding EU-RF Relations:
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Cooperation with EuroChambers
In June 2008, the Association of European Businesses signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EUROCHAMBRES, sealing a new era of cooperation with the Brussels-based organization.
Created in 1958, EUROCHAMBRES is the European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and forms one of the key pillars of business representation to the European institutions. EUROCHAMBRES voices the interests of over 19 million member enterprises in 45 European countries through a network of 2000 regional and local Chambers represented by 45 national and one transnational organisations. More than 90 % of these enterprises are Small or Medium Enterprises. Chamber members employ over 120 million employees.
EUROCHAMBRES is a European body that serves the interests of every sector and every size of European business - due to the multi sectoral membership of Chambers - and one very close to business, as a result of the Chambers’ regional focus.
The newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding illustrates the beginning of a privileged relationship between the AEB and EUROCHAMBRES and shall foster their cooperation in policy sectors of common interest.
 You can learn more about AEB Strategy and AEB Position Paper.
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