Russia joining the European Space Agency?

/ space / program / international
This seems significant as far as the expansion of space exploration is concerned:

Russian and European space officials are discussing the possibility of Russia joining the 15-member European Space Agency (ESA) - a move that would put ESA on a par with NASA in terms of spaceflight experience and access to orbit.

As a space buff and feverent supporter of the significance of space exploration for mankind's future, I can only cross my fingers that this goes through. Next stop for the ESA: the Moon!
Hopeful news in light of recent failures...