EU-Russia deal eases WTO membership

The EU has struck a deal with Russia phasing out Russian export tariffs on raw materials. It will also smooth Russian entry to the WTO, as Europe will no longer veto membership on these grounds.

Other hurdles remain, such as state payments to farmers and ceilings on beef imports entering the country on low tariffs,

The phasing out of export taxes will come into effect as soon as WTO membership is ratified says Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, citing 2011 as a possible entry date.

Hiowever the primary barrier to entry is Georgia, which is promising to veto Russian membership. Tibilisi is allowing informal negotiations, but is blocking formal talks.

Russia is the largest world economy remaining outside the 153-member WTO.

Copyright © 2012 euronews