TODAY: Russian relations with EU could improve in wake of Slovenian presidency; Brazil meets with Russia over meat exports; Georgia leader wants to mend relations; Russia and Angola to combat drug trafficking; Russian space research is booming, says Russian Academy. The 5th State Duma will begin its legislative work on January 9, with over 600 bills to discuss. The new EU presidency of Slovenia could lead to a “long-delayed agreement between the EU and Russia,” according to one report. Russia considers Slovenia “a close ally,” and this, combined with its newly improved relations with Poland, could improve relations with the EU. Another report says that, on a political level, the EU and Russia “are struggling to find legislation they can agree on.”