The new framework agreement between Russia and the European Union can be signed as early as in 2011, according to Kremlin officials.

Sergei Prikhodko, a top aide to President Dmitry Medvedev, has suggested that it would be fully realistic to talk about completing the draft of the basic E.U.-Russia agreement in 2011.

Bilateral negotiations are also underway, and the 12th round of talks will be finished on December 17, 2010. The text of the most important sections of the agreement has already been prepared and discussed with European officials. Mr. Prikhodko commented that the talks are approaching the stage that would involve issues requiring political decisions. 

Mr. Prikhodko said that the new agreement must reflect the fundamental principles of the E.U.-Russia strategic partnership. A number of these points were laid down during the NATO summit in Lisbon. 

At the present time, relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation are governed by the 1994 Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation.