Nobody names the timeframe for this process, but if we do not clearly understand its aim, Russia-EU relations will lose equality, Konstantin Kosachev told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
"This is an interesting perspective and an ambitious project. But today it is too early to apply for EU membership," the parliamentarian said.
"We are too far from the well-known Copenhagen criteria which include the compliance of the democratic system to the standards of the European Union and the ability to take part in the EU joint projects, as well as the presence of a highly developed competitive economy," the international committee head explained.
At the same time Konstantin Kosachev pointed out that the new member-countries of the European Union not always conform to these criteria, yet the EU is able to help these countries to achieve the necessary standards. "This task is achievable and real," Mr. Kosachev noted.
As to the EU assistance to Russia in achieving these criteria, this task, in the opinion of the parliamentarian, is beyond the European Union's strength.
"Russia's membership in the European Union can gradually become a topical issue but the time for practical steps in this direction has not yet come," Konstantin Kosachev added.
