About DP:B-M
A printable version of the full concept is available for download here (PDF, 1.8 MB).
Economic and political relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation leave considerable room for improvement. At present they are mainly characterised by a mutual lack of understanding even though there is willingness to cooperate from both sides. At the same time, intelligent communication between two such influential global powers is far too important to allow this situation to continue.
The “Dialogue Platform: Brussels – Moscow” (DP:B-M) seeks to address the low levels of trust between each side by bringing together all interested stakeholders and organisations from politics, business and civil society in the European and Russian arenas at round table dialogues on topics that are crucial to the development of better EU-Russian relations.
Acting as a catalyst for a more constructive dialogue between the EU and Russia, DP:B-M aims to specifically discuss core common issues and challenges where a joint approach can be beneficial for both sides. DP:B-M offers the unique opportunity to discuss EU-Russia relations openly and at a senior expert level.
Independence and credibility are the key priorities of the management of DP:B-M and will be assured through a non-partisan and unbiased approach. The organisation is politically and financially independent from any government body. The necessary financial support will be provided solely by committed membership and sponsor fees.
Objectives
- To nurture an atmosphere of mutual trust to enable a frank dialogue that helps advance EU-Russian relations and has practical relevance for all participants;
- To produce insightful discussion reports targeted at decision-makers and aimed at revitalising ongoing debates on the major issues affecting the EU and Russia.
- To create a framework for individual networking with a clear vision to engage in long-term collaborative relations and the desire to innovate.
Mission Statement
- DP:B-M is a platform for open and unbiased dialogue between the European Union and the Russian Federation;
- DP:B-M and its partners believe that greater efforts must be made to improve EU-Russian relations;
- DP:B-M assembles the whole spectrum of stakeholders from politics, business and civil society with a balance of participants from both sides to foster the development of fresh ideas and more effective engagement;
- This innovative club structure will scuplt a new way of dialogue between the European Union and the Russian Federation: driven by openness instead of anxiety;
- DP:B-M is independent and transparent; it is a tool for communication and exchange at the highest level. It will not take a participatory role but will provide a platform for its members.
Activities
- DP:B-M will regularly invite to invitation-only (from 2008: members-only) discussions on previously agreed topics;
- The topics will be chosen after wide consultation and will take into account the current political and economic situation and requests by members, partners and sponsors;
- These ad hoc events can include receptions, lunches, panel discussions etc.;
- Events will be intimate and off-the-record (Chatham House Rules) attracting high-level participants from diverse backgrounds linked by the common purpose of furthering EU-Russia relations;
- The meetings will always try to dedicate maximum time for informal exchanges and networking.
- After the start-up period, DP:B-M will introduce the next step in members communications: the Web-Forums. Please find more details in Concept and Possibilities.
Membership
During the start-up period, DP:B-M will mainly organise invitation-only events. The next step in its development is the creation of a club-like structure. Events and other activities will be ‘members-only’ which will give more depth to the discussion giving the fact that members know each other. An interactive members data base will make networking easier and more efficient.
Structure
- DP:B-M is a project established by Dialogue Platform, a young and innovative communications company in Brussels;
- The General Secretariat of DP:B-M will be in charge of the management and moderation of all events and activities;
- DP:B-M will be supported by an Advisory Council of experts in the field of the EU-Russian relations.