Russia wants to be given special economic status

Estonian Prime Minister Juhan Parts has advised Europe to take a tougher approach in its dealings with Russia and not to show 'total leniency.' According to Postimees newspaper, he made this announcement after Russia presented Europe with a list of 14 demands in connection with the upcoming wave of EU expansion. Russia wants to be given special economic status in its dealings with the EU and also wants the rights of Russian-speaking people in the Baltic states to be better protected.