On 2 July 2009, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris welcomed Andrei P. Vavilov, former First Deputy Finance Minister of Russia, for a day of exchanges on Russia’s economy, energy policy, and the global financial system. The discussions provided participants with insights from a key figure who had played a central role in shaping Russian fiscal and economic strategy during a period of profound transformation.

The morning breakfast, moderated by Ulysse Gosset, brought together journalists and experts to engage with Vavilov on the state of the Russian economy and its interaction with global financial markets. Topics included Russia’s energy exports, its fiscal resilience, and the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on both domestic and international policy choices.

A lunch followed with politicians, diplomats, and policymakers, where the conversation shifted to broader strategic themes, including Russia’s positioning in the global order and its relationship with Europe. Vavilov’s interventions highlighted the complex interplay between economics and geopolitics, reinforcing CPFA’s mission of creating a space for dialogue with figures at the heart of international decision-making.