Brussels and Moscow on Thursday came close to an agreement that would open the way for Russia to join the World Trade Organization. "Substantial progress was achieved during the negotiating session on all issues across the board, including market access in goods and services and systemic issues like energy", said a joint statement following talks between Trade commissioner Pascal Lamy and the Russian Economics Minister German Gref. The two sides will have another meeting on May 20, the eve of the EU-Russia summit in Moscow, to finalize the last details. (EUobserver.com)