Mr Putin’s message of congratulations notes that a strategic partnership with the European Union was and remains one of Russia’s foreign policy priorities.
The President emphasised the importance of creating four common spaces – economic, external and internal security, science, education and culture – on the European continent. Mr Putin also said he is certain that the realisation of these projects, and above all the consistent implementation of joint agreements, would help build a Europe without dividing lines, a continent of freedom, justice and stability.