Former Spanish Prime Minister, member of the Council of State of Spain, jos? Luis rodr?guez Zapatero agitates to promote the interaction between Russia and the European Union and to abolish the punishment.

"we must move forward with cooperation, trust between Russia and the European Union, to remove those measures that have been taken in the past and will not get Us anywhere. A lot of us, those who live in Europe, and we, a Large number of Europeans, believe that for Europe, and for global relations, it is extremely important to improve Relations between Russia and the European Union - economic, political and cultural, " said the former Prime Minister of Spain at an international parliamentary forum in the Russian capital.

He drew attention that the Russian Federation and the European Union is Europe." We need a Europe based on trust and cooperation. Without Russia, Europe is impossible, as Without the EU, " said Zapatero.

Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated in connection with the situation in Ukraine. At the end of July 2014, the EU and the US from point penalties against certain individuals and organizations have moved to the measures against entire sectors of the Russian economy. In response, Russia restricted imports of food items from countries that have imposed against her punishment. In June 2015, in response to the extension of the sanctions Russia has extended food embargo until 5 August 2016.

The Agency Bloomberg has informed on September 17, citing unnamed American and European bureaucrats, the Union of European States and the US are preparing to preserve the effect of the punishment relative to Russia in 2016.

sections: Politics