Energy and relations with Russia were on the agenda at an EU foreign ministers’ conference in the Portuguese town of Viano do Castelo.
EU commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, pointed out that Russia-EU bilateral trade grows by 20% annually. At the same time, there are concerns about Russia’s rising influence over European energy markets. Earlier, Mrs. Waldner said the EU must expand energy ties with countries bordering the EU, especially in the area of alternative energy. The European Union has energy agreements with Azerbaijan, Morocco and Ukraine.