Lavrov: Russia and EU maintain cross-border ties despite frosty relations

Russia and Europe are continuing cross-border cooperation despite the existing frigid relations between Moscow and Brussels, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated in his video message to the participants of the ‘Frontiers of Russia: Geopolitics, Regional Studies, Historical Memory’ conference.
The top diplomat also noted that the development of cross-border and interregional ties met Russia’s foreign policy interests.
"Despite a certain cooling in our official contacts with the EU, the implementation of cross-border cooperation programs with EU member states is underway, with the Kaliningrad Region also actively taking part in it," the Russian foreign minister emphasized.
Lavrov praised the relevance of the issues brought up for discussion, connected with the development of border municipalities and regions, their role in strengthening Russia’s international clout as well as enhancing good-neighborliness. "Today, as the world undergoes global changes <...>, unleashing the potential of border and interregional ties fully meets our foreign policy interests," according to the top diplomat.
Furthermore, Lavrov stressed the importance of engaging Russian regions in the implementation of a unified foreign policy course set by President Vladimir Putin. "For example, regional cooperation with Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in various fields already has significant stability and offers serious prospects for further development," the Russian chief diplomat noted. He also mentioned that interregional ties with countries from the Asia-Pacific zone, the Arctic, Barents and Baltic Sea Regions were being vigorously carried out.
Latest newsThe Use of the “Oreshnik” Missile and a New Phase of Escalation Around Ukraine
09.Jan.2026
Solidarity Deferred: Croatia and Romania’s Dangerous Retreat
08.Jan.2026
Azerbaijan’s Eurasian Initiative: Ambitions, Challenges, and Doubts
07.Jan.2026
The Great Rotation: Personnel Reshuffles in Ukraine’s Leadership
06.Jan.2026
The United States Did Not Confirm an Alleged Ukrainian Attack on Putin’s Residence
05.Jan.2026
The Trans-Caspian Fiber Optic Cable: A Digital Milestone Connecting Europe and Asia
04.Jan.2026
Georgia Hopes for a Review of Venezuela’s Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia Amid Ongoing Crisis
04.Jan.2026
Ukraine’s Allies Discuss Security and the Future of a Peace Settlement
03.Jan.2026
Iran Amid a Growing Domestic Crisis: Causes, Dynamics, and External Factors
03.Jan.2026
The South Caucasus in the Context of Expanding External Involvement
02.Jan.2026

14 Jan 2026


