According to newspaper Vedomosti, Russia might become a full-fledged member of the prestigious trade club by the end of 2009. Negotiations might be completed this year, he maintained. However, Sweden and Finland might still stagger the Russian WTO plans. Both countries have protested strongly against the Russian raise of round timber export tariffs from 4 EUR to 50 EUR per cubic meter. Commissioner Mandelson admits that the Russian argument to raise tariffs in order to stimulate Russian domestic timber processing is “unfair”. During his visit to Moscow last week, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said that the timber dispute with Finland and Sweden now is the only remaining disagreement between the parts regarding Russia’s WTO membership. During his stay in Moscow, Mr. Mandelson also said that there is progress in consultations over a new EU-Russia partnership agreement.
