Russia should be more attractive to its neighbors, the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said at the Eastern Partnership summit in Riga.
"Let me reply to those who claim that the Eastern Partnership is directed against Russia. It is not. The Eastern Partnership is not a beauty contest between Russia and the European Union. But, let me be frank, beauty does count. If Russia was a bit softer, more charming, more attractive, perhaps it wouldn't have to compensate for its shortcomings with its destructive and aggressive bullying tactics against its neighbours," he stressed.
In addition, Tusk warned against excessive expectations with regard to an early decision on EU enlargement.
"We are all impatient for change, but I am sure that we need to exercise our strategic patience. The Riga Summit is not about announcing giant steps forward. Our partnership will go forward step-by-step, just like the European Union was built, and in this context step-by-step means real progress in reforms," RIA Novosti cited him as saying.
