From Russia with gloves
Following Russia's blocking of EU meat imports on June 1, Polish meat exporters, along with those of the other nine new EU members, have been obliged to undergo official inspections from Russian officials. And given that any plants that fail to make the grade will be unable to export their wares to Russia after October 1, the coming checks are giving some the jitters.
Russian demands were met with wounded indignance in early June, with EU Commission spokesman Fin Reijo Kemppinen protesting to the press that "we see no legal grounds for Russia's decision" and "this is not the kind of behavior we expect from a candidate to the World Trade Organization (WTO)!"
The mood has shifted since then with speedy diplomatic intervention getting the embargo lifted in return for allowing the inspectors in. Now Jacek Leonkiewicz, adviser to the domestic general veterinary inspector, claims that such controls are "normal," and he is anxious to stress that the inspectors "are very professional and have communicated no sense of ill whatsoever."
But local inspections are only a small part of a greater issue in EU-Russian negotiations. While Russia has for over a year requested that the EU issue a common certificate for the exports of all members, the EU Commission is reticent to make such a move.
For while the Russian proposal would simplify bureaucratic processes for that country's officials, it carries significant risks for the EU, as should there be an outbreak of disease in one EU country, the introduction of a one-certificate system would provide Russia with the grounds to block imports from all the other 14 states.
Press reports in June suggested that the move to block meat imports was the brainchild of the so called 'Petersburg clan,' a group associated with German Gref, the minister for trade and economic development, said to be an advocate of protectionist policies.
Some point out that while Russian meat producers are currently unable to meet total demand, the sector is nevertheless growing, and there are also rumors that Russia is planning to favor meat imports from its ex-Soviet neighbors. If so, some say, Russia may be looking to find a means to block future EU imports.
Back in June, the EU Commission was outspoken in rejecting the possibility of a pan-EU certificate. Given that the 149 members of the WTO recognize national certificates issued by individual EU countries, it expressed its surprise that Russia, now seeking to join the WTO, should have any objections to them.
Since negotiations are now up and running, the Commission is guarded with its statements. But still it shows no sign of backing down. "It's Commission policy to deal with exports on a country basis," a Commission source stated. And suspicion still circulates as to what exactly is behind the Russian government's thinking. Asked if the Russian initiative could stem from an undeclared policy of protectionism, the source responded, "Well, we don't know what is behind it. But you said that, not me."
What is certain, though, is that the CIS markets are highly attractive to EU members, and so it is unlikely anyone will be mincing their words when trying to hammer out on agreement by October 1.
Russian demands were met with wounded indignance in early June, with EU Commission spokesman Fin Reijo Kemppinen protesting to the press that "we see no legal grounds for Russia's decision" and "this is not the kind of behavior we expect from a candidate to the World Trade Organization (WTO)!"
The mood has shifted since then with speedy diplomatic intervention getting the embargo lifted in return for allowing the inspectors in. Now Jacek Leonkiewicz, adviser to the domestic general veterinary inspector, claims that such controls are "normal," and he is anxious to stress that the inspectors "are very professional and have communicated no sense of ill whatsoever."
But local inspections are only a small part of a greater issue in EU-Russian negotiations. While Russia has for over a year requested that the EU issue a common certificate for the exports of all members, the EU Commission is reticent to make such a move.
For while the Russian proposal would simplify bureaucratic processes for that country's officials, it carries significant risks for the EU, as should there be an outbreak of disease in one EU country, the introduction of a one-certificate system would provide Russia with the grounds to block imports from all the other 14 states.
Press reports in June suggested that the move to block meat imports was the brainchild of the so called 'Petersburg clan,' a group associated with German Gref, the minister for trade and economic development, said to be an advocate of protectionist policies.
Some point out that while Russian meat producers are currently unable to meet total demand, the sector is nevertheless growing, and there are also rumors that Russia is planning to favor meat imports from its ex-Soviet neighbors. If so, some say, Russia may be looking to find a means to block future EU imports.
Back in June, the EU Commission was outspoken in rejecting the possibility of a pan-EU certificate. Given that the 149 members of the WTO recognize national certificates issued by individual EU countries, it expressed its surprise that Russia, now seeking to join the WTO, should have any objections to them.
Since negotiations are now up and running, the Commission is guarded with its statements. But still it shows no sign of backing down. "It's Commission policy to deal with exports on a country basis," a Commission source stated. And suspicion still circulates as to what exactly is behind the Russian government's thinking. Asked if the Russian initiative could stem from an undeclared policy of protectionism, the source responded, "Well, we don't know what is behind it. But you said that, not me."
What is certain, though, is that the CIS markets are highly attractive to EU members, and so it is unlikely anyone will be mincing their words when trying to hammer out on agreement by October 1.
