Our Russian colleagues say there is a serious problem with Kaliningrad because of enlargement

European Commissioner Chris Patten

External affairs commissioner Chris Patten, and Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh arrived for a brief visit from Moscow, where they and foreign policy chief Javier Solana had been holding talks with senior Russian officials.

The Russians expressed concern over Kaliningrad's status once its neighbours join the EU in the coming years.

"Our Russian colleagues say very legitimately that there is a serious problem with Kaliningrad because of enlargement," said Mr Patten.

Sensitivity over Kaliningrad's status has been increased by reports that Moscow has moved tactical nuclear weapons there - a claim denied by the Russian Government.

Other reports have suggested Germany could develop its interests there, gaining economic influence in return for settling some of the enclave's huge debts.

Until 1945 Kaliningrad - known as Koenigsberg - was a part of Germany.

Kaliningrad facts

Half the size of Belgium, population around 400,000 Birthplace of philosopher Immanuel Kant Formerly called Koenigsberg, part of East Prussia Seized by Soviet Union in World War II; German population later deported to Siberia Disease, poverty and crime now thriving Lower living standards, 20% more crime, than Russia

The idea of creating a Hong Kong of the Baltic - enjoying special status in trade and other matters, but remaining part of Russia - has also been suggested.

Poverty

Kaliningrad's residents endure worse poverty than their counterparts in Russia, and crime is flourishing.

A recent EU report said illegal activities such as trafficking in drugs, car, amber and human beings, provides half of the enclave's wealth.

Tuberculosis and HIV are spreading at an alarming rate.

The region is also one of the worst sources of pollution in the Baltic Sea.

Kaliningrad holds a key strategic position on the Baltic

Local governor Vladimir Yegorov says the EU should join forces with Russia to pull the enclave out its spiral of economic and ecological problems.

"Our unique geographical position is a reason for the leaders of Russia and the EU to create a special agreement on the Kaliningrad region," Mr Yegorov told the Reuters news agency.

He insisted the West should not be concerned at any perceived threat posed by Kaliningrad, which he said would remain loyal to Moscow.

"There should not be any artificial fear," Mr Yegorov said.

"Poland joined Nato and life went on... Lithuania will also join Nato and you can express things one of two ways - either that Nato is surrounding Kaliningrad or that Kaliningrad is becoming the centre of Nato."

Kaliningrad, the home of Russia's Baltic fleet, was a huge military base closed to foreigners until 1991.

Over the past decade, the EU has poured $30m into projects there, and is boosting its spending on health, regional development and the upgrading of border posts.