:Eurasian Economic Union

{{main|Transition period and cessation of the existence of the Soviet Union|Union Republics of the Soviet Union}}

In the Soviet Union, a Union Republic was a constituent federated political entity with a system of government called a Soviet republic, which was officially defined in the 1977 constitution as "a sovereign Soviet socialist state which has united with the other Soviet republics to form the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics"Article 76 of the 1977 Soviet Constitution{{Cite web|url=https://ru.wikisource.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%83%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%A1%D0%A1%D0%A1%D0%A0_(1977)/%D0%A0%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F_07.10.1977#III._%D0%9D%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%BE-%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5_%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B9%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE_%D0%A1%D0%A1%D0%A1%D0%A0|title=Конституция СССР (1977)/Редакция 07.10.1977 — Викитека|website=ru.wikisource.org}} and whose sovereignty is limited by membership in the Union. As a result of its status as a sovereign state, the Union Republic de jure had the right to enter into relations with foreign states, conclude treaties with them and exchange diplomatic and consular representatives and participate in the activities of international organizations (including membership in international organizations).{{Cite journal|url=https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/soglasie-ukrainskoy-ssr-na-obyazatelnost-dlya-nee-mezhdunarodnogo-dogovora-1|title=Согласие Украинской ССР на обязательность для нее международного договора|first=Вишневский Юрий|last=Анатольевич|date=January 4, 2014|journal=Проблемы законности|issue=126|pages=207–215|via=cyberleninka.ru}}Article 80 of the 1977 Soviet Constitution{{Cite web|url=https://ru.wikisource.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%83%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%A1%D0%A1%D0%A1%D0%A0_(1977)/%D0%A0%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F_07.10.1977#III._%D0%9D%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%BE-%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5_%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B9%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE_%D0%A1%D0%A1%D0%A1%D0%A0|title=Конституция СССР (1977)/Редакция 07.10.1977 — Викитека|website=ru.wikisource.org}} The former Soviet republics that became independent states were part of the economy of the Soviet Union with its common technical standards, common infrastructure, territorial proximity, chains of cooperation, and common legal heritage. Through the signing of international agreements on trade, economic cooperation and integration, countries can achieve an increase in the efficiency of their economies, which suffered due to the disintegration of the Soviet Union. At the same time, all post-Soviet countries have moved to a market economy, implemented reforms and expanded trade and cooperation with the global economy. Over the past three decades, several negotiations have taken place on proposed integration projects.

In order to reform the Soviet Union, the New Union Treaty and the draft European-Asian Union, among others, were proposed. In 1989, the European-Asian Union was proposed by the co-chairman of the Interregional Deputy Group Andrei Sakharov, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and with the participation of members of the group Galina Starovoitova (as a representative to the Congress of People's Deputies of the Soviet Union from Armenia), Anatoly Sobchak and others. Sakharov presented Gorbachev (Gorbachev was a chairman of the Constitutional Commission) with his draft Constitution of the Union of Soviet Republics of Europe and Asia on 27 November 1989.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakharov.space//lib/proekt-konstitucii-soyuza-sovetskih-respublik-evropy-i-azii|title=Проект Конституции Союза Советских Республик Европы и Азии|language=ru |website=www.sakharov.space|accessdate=8 January 2024}}

In the 1990s, Russia and the Central Asian republics were weakened economically and faced declines in GDP as a result of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The member states of the union underwent economic reforms and privatisation.{{cite web |title=Russian Federation|url=http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/7/50/2452793.pdf|access-date=7 July 2014|website=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development}}{{cite web|title=Russia Economic Conditions in Mid-1996|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+ru0119)|publisher=Library of Congress|access-date=7 July 2014}} The process of Eurasian integration began immediately after the break-up of the Soviet Union. When the USSR began to fall in 1991, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia{{cite web |title=Eurasian economic integration: figures and facts |website=Eurasian Economic Commission|url=http://www.eurasiancommission.org/en/Documents/broshura26_ENGL_2014.pdf|access-date=7 July 2014}} of the founding republics signed the Belavezha Accords on 8 December 1991, declaring that the Soviet Union would cease to exist and proclaimed the Commonwealth of Independent States in its place.

File:Vladimir Putin 22 February 2008-3.jpg (CIS) on 22 February 2008. The CIS initiated the lengthy process of Eurasian integration.]]

File:Customs Union between Russia and Belarus and the Customs Union with Kazakhstan in the database of international treaties of the Eurasian Economic Union.png

{{main|Commonwealth of Independent States|Common Economic Space of the Commonwealth of Independent States|Mobility rights arrangements of the Commonwealth of Independent States}}

According to Article 7 of the Agreement on the creation the Commonwealth of Independent States of 8 December 1991 which effectively dissolved the Soviet Union as a single federal country, the High Contracting Parties indicate that through common coordinating institutions, their joint activities will consist in coordinating foreign policy activities, cooperation in the formation and development of a common economic space, common European and Eurasian markets, in the field of customs policy, in the development of transport and communication systems, cooperation in the field of environmental protection, migration policy and the fight against organized crime. According to the Article 5 of Belavezha Accords, the High Contracting Parties shall recognize and respect each other's territorial integrity and the inviolability of existing borders within the Commonwealth. They shall guarantee the openness of borders, freedom of movement of citizens and freedom of information within the Commonwealth.{{Cite web|url=https://cis.minsk.by/reestrv2/doc/1#text|title=Единый реестр правовых актов и других документов Содружества Независимых Государств|website=cis.minsk.by|accessdate=8 January 2024}} On 24 September 1993, at a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of State in Moscow, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan signed the Treaty on the creation of an Economic Union which reinforces by an international agreement the intention to create an economic union through the step-by-step creation of a free trade area, a customs union and conditions for the free movement of goods, services, capital and labor. All these countries have ratified the Treaty and it entered into force on January 14, 1994. TurkmenistanAccording to the Unified Register of Legal Acts and Other Documents of the Commonwealth of Independent States, on 24 December 1993, Turkmenistan sent a notification of accession to the Treaty on the Establishment of the Economic Union. It entered into force for Turkmenistan on 22 January 1994. As of 2024, the agreement is in force according to the register (CIS Executive Committee). See [https://cis.minsk.by/reestrv2/doc/257#documentCard Document] and Georgia joined in 1994 and ratified the Treaty, but Georgia withdrew in 2009.{{Cite web|url=https://cis.minsk.by/reestrv2/doc/257#documentCard|title=Единый реестр правовых актов и других документов Содружества Независимых Государств|website=cis.minsk.by|access-date=8 January 2024}} On 15 April 1994, the "Agreement on Ukraine's accession to the Economic Union as an associate member" was signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Georgia but never entered into force due to non-ratification by Russia, Ukraine, Turkmenistan and Georgia, although all the others ratified.{{Cite web|url=https://cis.minsk.by/reestrv2/doc/325#documentCard|title=Единый реестр правовых актов и других документов Содружества Независимых Государств|website=cis.minsk.by|accessdate=8 January 2024}} On 15 April 1994, at a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of State in Moscow, all 12 post-Soviet states signed the international Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area in order to move towards the creation of an economic union. Article 17 also confirmed the intention to conclude a free trade agreement in services.{{Cite web|url=https://cis.minsk.by/reestrv2/doc/321#documentCard

|title=Единый реестр правовых актов и других документов Содружества Независимых Государств|website=cis.minsk.by|accessdate=8 January 2024}} Article 1 indicated that this was "the first stage of the creation of the Economic Union", but in 1999 the countries agreed to remove this phrase from the agreement.{{Cite web|url=https://cis.minsk.by/reestrv2/doc/884#text|title=Единый реестр правовых актов и других документов Содружества Независимых Государств|website=cis.minsk.by|accessdate=8 January 2024}}

File:Russian Federation - Belarus - Kazakhstan 20-Jan-1995.png{{Cite web|url=https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicMaintainRTAHome.aspx|title=WTO | Regional trade agreements|website=rtais.wto.org}}]]

File:Timeline of EAEU Integration - WTO.png report{{cite web

|url=https://docsonline.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/REG/358-1.pdf&Open=True |title=Factual presentation

|website=wto.org|access-date=25 February 2024}} ]]

{{main|Eurasian Union of States|Political union}}

On 29 March 1994, during a speech at Moscow State University, the first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev complained that the CIS was inadequate and did not provide the integration that the countries badly needed. He proposed the creation of a Eurasian Union of States as a new organization completely separate from the CIS. The Eurasian Union of States was proposed as a combination of the economic union and political union. For the first time it was suggested to use the name “Eurasian” for an economic union rather than “Euro-Asian” or “Euroasian”. The Eurasian Economic Union traces its history back to Nazarbayev's proposal.{{cite web | url=http://www.eaeunion.org/?lang=en#about-history | title=Eurasian Economic Union }} He suggested the idea of creating a Union as a regional trade bloc in order to connect to and profit from the growing economies of Europe and East Asia. The vision would be to simplify the free flow of goods across Eurasia.Alexandrov, Mikhail. Uneasy Alliance: Relations Between Russia and Kazakhstan in the Post-Soviet Era, 1992–1997. Greenwood Press, 1999, p. 229. {{ISBN|978-0-313-30965-6}}{{cite news|last1=Vladimir|first1=Radyuhin|title=Three-nation Eurasian union set up as bridge|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/threenation-eurasian-union-set-up-as-bridge/article6063893.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=7 July 2014}}{{cite news|title=Kazakhstan welcomes Putin's Eurasian Union concept|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/kazakhstan/8808500/Kazakhstan-welcomes-Putins-Eurasian-Union-concept.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/kazakhstan/8808500/Kazakhstan-welcomes-Putins-Eurasian-Union-concept.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=6 October 2011|access-date=8 October 2011}}{{cbignore}} The idea was quickly seen as a way to bolster trade, boost investment in Central Asia, Armenia and Belarus, and serve as a complement to the Eastern Partnership.{{cite web|title=Eurasian Economic Union to become a bridge between Europe and Pacific Rim|date=12 April 2012 |url=http://vestnikkavkaza.net/articles/politics/55923.html|publisher=Vestnik Kavkaza|access-date=7 July 2014}}

{{main|Multi-speed integration|Belarus-Russia Customs Union}}

During the 1990s, the Eurasian integration process was slow, possibly due to the economic crisis experienced after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the size of the countries involved (Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan cover an area of about 20 million km²). As a result, numerous treaties have been signed by member states to establish the regional trade bloc gradually.{{cite web |author1=Steven Blockmans|author2=Hrant Kostanyan| author3=Ievgen Vorobiov |title=Towards a Eurasian Economic Union: The challenge of integration and unity |url=http://www.ceps.eu/system/files/CEPS%20Special%20Report%20No%2075%20-%20Towards%20a%20Eurasian%20Economic%20Union.pdf|date=December 2012 | pages=4–5 |website=Centre for European Policy Studies |quote=Given the distances between major economic centres, the transportation costs appear to be much higher in the case of trade within the CU than within the EEC. Besides, there is significant asymmetry in the distance between Russia's and Belarus' economic centres and those of Russia and Kazakhstan, which affects intra-bloc trade flows. This factor might significantly impede the envisaged positive effects of removing tariff barriers to trade and increasing labour mobility, and will therefore require greater efforts to ease cross-border trade, such as improving transport infrastructure.}}

In 1995, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, and later acceding states Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed the first agreements on the establishment of a Customs Union. Its purpose was to gradually lead the way toward the creation of open borders without passport controls between member states.{{cite web| url=http://evrazes.com/docs/view/118|title=AGREEMENT on the Customs union of 20 January 1995| publisher=Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC)}}

In 1996, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Kyrgyzstan signed the Treaty on Increased Integration in the Economic and Humanitarian Fields to begin economic integration between countries to allow for the creation of common markets for goods, services, capital, labour, and developing single transport, energy and information systems.{{cite web| url=http://evrazes.com/docs/view/120|title=TREATY between the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic on increased integration in economic and humanitarian fields of 29 March 1996|publisher=Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC)}}

In 1999, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed the Treaty on the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space by clarifying the goals and policies the states would undertake in order to form the Eurasian Customs Union and the Single Economic Space.{{cite web |title=Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan are launching common economic space 1 Jan. |date=January 2012|url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20120101/170583110.html|access-date=7 July 2014}}{{cite web| title=TREATY on the Customs union and the Common economic space of 26 February 1999| url=http://evrazes.com/docs/view/128|publisher=Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC)}}

File:Session of Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.jpg

{{main|Eurasian Economic Community|Regional organization|Supranational union}}

To promote further economic integration and more cooperation, in 2000 Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan established the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) which Uzbekistan joined in 2006. The EurAsEC headquarters according to the Treaty were located in Moscow and Astana.

The treaty established a common market for its member states. The Eurasian Economic Community was modelled on the European Economic Community.{{cite SSRN |ssrn=2412319|title=Regionalizing Multilateralism: The Effect of Russia's Accession to the WTO on Existing Regional Integration Schemes in the Former Soviet Space |date=2014|author=Boris N. Mamlyuk}} The two had a comparable population size of 171 million and 169 million, respectively.

The separate Treaty on a Single Economic Space by Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine (or Common Economic Zone Agreement), signed in 2003 and entered into force in 2004, with proposed headquarters in Kiev was in the process of implementation, but it was stalled after the Orange revolution and new president of Ukraine.{{cite news|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1052410.html|title=CIS: Russian, Ukrainian, Kazakh Parliaments Ratify Treaty on Single Economic Space|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=8 April 2008 |last1=Krushelnycky |first1=Askold }}{{Cite web|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2004-12-10-putin-ukraine_x.htm|title=USATODAY.com – Putin: No objection to Ukraine in EU|website=usatoday30.usatoday.com}} Ukraine has not been involved in previous agreements and treaties. It was decided to proceed without Ukraine after 2005. The withdrawal of Ukraine from this Treaty de jure took effect on 21 July 2023.{{cite web | url=https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx?rtaid=579 | title=WTO | Regional trade agreements }}

In 2007, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia signed an agreement to create a Customs Union between the three countries.{{cite web|url=http://mfa.gov.by/en/organizations/membership/list/aa16658947a49c28.html|title=Eurasian Economic Union|access-date=10 October 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126085933/http://mfa.gov.by/en/organizations/membership/list/aa16658947a49c28.html}} The supranational commission of the customs union was established and given supranational competencies.

{{main|Common external tariff|Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union|Customs Code}}

The Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia (now the Eurasian Customs Union) came into existence on 1 January 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/93507/russia-belarus-and-kazakhstan-agree-on-customs-union.html|title=Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan Agree on Customs Union|work=Turkish Weekly|date=5 December 2009|access-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704085214/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/93507/russia-belarus-and-kazakhstan-agree-on-customs-union.html|archive-date=4 July 2014}} The Customs Union's priorities were the elimination of intra-bloc tariffs, establishing a common external tariff policy and the elimination of non-tariff barriers. It was launched as a first step towards forming a broader single market inspired by the European Union, with the objective of forming an alliance between former Soviet states.{{cite news|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/russia-and-former-soviet-union/soviet-union-to-be-restored-in-the-form-of-new-cus-55474.html|title= Soviet Union to be restored in the form of new customs union|newspaper=Kyiv Post|date=18 December 2009|access-date=1 July 2014}} The member states planned to continue with economic integration and were set to remove all customs borders between each other after July 2011.

File:The signing ceremony of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union.webm, Kazakhstan, on 29 May 2014)]]

{{main|Four economic freedoms|Single Economic Space of the Eurasian Economic Union}}

On 1 January 2012, the three states established the Eurasian Economic Space which ensures the effective functioning of a single market for goods, services, capital and labour, and to establish coherent industrial, transport, energy and agricultural policies.[http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/ukraines_association_with_eu_rules_out_participation_in_customs_union___putin_aide_305195 Ukraine cannot get observer status at Eurasian Econ Union due to Association Agreement with EU, Russia], Interfax-Ukraine (14 June 2013){{cite web |url=http://cistranfinance.com/news/belarus-eases-current-account-deficit-with-customs-union-common-economic-space/360/ |title=Belarus eases current account deficit with Customs Union, Common Economic Space |last1=Barron |first1=Lisa |publisher=Cistran Finance |date=1 October 2013 |access-date=25 October 2013}} The agreement included a roadmap for future integration and established the Eurasian Economic Commission (modelled on the European Commission).{{cite news |script-title=ru:Евразийские комиссары получат статус федеральных министров |url=http://news.tut.by/politics/259307.html |newspaper=Tut.By |language=ru |date=17 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011 |archive-date=9 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110040/https://news.tut.by/politics/259307.html }} The Eurasian Economic Commission serves as the regulatory agency for the Eurasian Customs Union, the Single Economic Space and the Eurasian Economic Union.

{{clear left}}

In 2011, the then-Prime Minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin, announced his support for Nursultan Nazarbayev's idea for the creation of a Eurasian Economic Union.{{cite news |title=Russia's Putin says wants to build "Eurasian Union" |first=Gleb |last=Bryanski |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-eurasian-idUSTRE7926ZD20111003 |work=Reuters |date=3 October 2011 |access-date=4 October 2011}}{{cite news |title=Новый интеграционный проект для Евразии – будущее, которое рождается сегодня |url=http://www.izvestia.ru/news/502761 |newspaper=Izvestia |language=ru |date=3 October 2011 |access-date=4 October 2011}} On 18 November 2011, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia signed an agreement setting a target of establishing the Eurasian Economic Union by 2015.{{cite news |title=Russia sees union with Belarus and Kazakhstan by 2015 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15790452 |newspaper=BBC News|date=18 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}} The member states put together a joint commission on fostering closer economic ties.{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/11/19/Russia-Belarus-Kazakhstan-sign-pact/UPI-15221321748054/?spt=hs&or=tn |title=Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan sign pact |publisher=UPI |date=19 November 2011 |access-date=20 November 2011}}

On 29 May 2014, the presidents of Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia signed the treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, which came into effect on 1 January 2015. The presidents of Armenia and Kyrgyzstan were also present at the signing ceremony. Russian president Vladimir Putin stated, "Today we have created a powerful, attractive centre of economic development, a big regional market that unites more than 170 million people."{{cite news|title=Putin Signs Economic Alliance With Kazakhstan and Belarus|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/30/world/europe/putin-signs-economic-alliance-with-presidents-of-kazakhstan-and-belarus.html?_r=0|newspaper=The New York Times| date=29 May 2014 | last1=MacFarquhar | first1=Neil }} Kazakh politicians emphasized the Eurasian Economic Union was not intended to be a political bloc, but a purely economic union. Bakytzhan Sagintayev, the first deputy prime minister of Kazakhstan and lead negotiator, said, "We are not creating a political organisation; we are forming a purely economic union." He further stated "it is a pragmatic means to get benefits. We don't meddle into what Russia is doing politically, and they cannot tell us what foreign policy to pursue." By October, the treaty had received parliamentary approval from all three states.{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/politics/20141009/193869886/Belarusian-President-Signs-Law-on-Eurasian-Economic-Union-Treaty.html|title=Belarusian President Signs Law on Eurasian Economic Union Treaty Ratification|date=2014-10-09|access-date=2014-10-10|publisher=RIA Novosti}} On 9 October 2014, a Treaty to enlarge the EAEU to Armenia was signed.{{Cite news|url = http://en.ria.ru/world/20141010/193914853/Armenia-Joins-Eurasian-Economic-Union.html|title = Armenia Joins Eurasian Economic Union|last = Druzhinin|first = Aleksei|date = 10 October 2014|access-date = 10 October 2014|quote = Leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union signed an agreement on Friday on Armenia's accession to the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty.|publisher = RIA Novosti}}{{cite web|url=http://arka.am/en/news/economy/eurasian_economic_union_countries_and_armenia_arrange_to_ratify_accession_agreement_soon_/|title=Eurasian Economic Union countries and Armenia arrange to ratify accession agreement soon|date=2014-10-10|access-date=2014-10-10}} Kyrgyzstan signed the Treaty on 23 December 2014 and became a member of the Eurasian Union on 6 August 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.armradio.am/en/2014/12/23/finalization-of-ratification-procedures-on-armenias-accession-to-eeu-to-be-declared-in-moscow-today/|title=Finalization of ratification procedures on Armenia's accession to EEU to be declared in Moscow today|website=Public Radio of Armenia|access-date=4 June 2015}}

File:Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) 29-May-2014.png]]

The Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU Treaty) entered into force on 1 January 2015.

Many provisions and separate agreements were codified, consolidated and incorporated into the EAEU Treaty and the EAEU's legal framework (officially "EAEU Treaty and international agreements within the EAEU" according to the database of law of the Eurasian Economic Union), some agreements were terminated and replaced, but some older agreements are still in force in part not contrary to the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (officially "Other international treaties" according to the database of law of the Eurasian Economic Union{{cite web | url=https://docs.eaeunion.org/en-us/pages/alldocuments.aspx#npbdocumentbelongstaxId=%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%22b591e83f-0f9a-4fce-8760-758ac7690c84%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22International%20treaties%22%7D%5D | title=En-us }}).

The Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union is now regulated by Part Two of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (which entered into force on 1 January 2015), EAEU Customs Code, other international agreements and by decisions of supranational bodies as Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, Intergovernmental Council and Eurasian Economic Commission.

The Eurasian Economic Community was terminated on 1 January 2015.

{{Main|Member states of the Eurasian Economic Union}}

[[File:Eurasian Economic Union.svg|thumb|400px|

{{legend|#307030|Member States of the Eurasian Economic Union}}

{{legend|#a0d020|Observer states}}

{{legend|#0080ff|Candidate states}}]]

The treaty establishing the Eurasian Economic Union was formally signed by three states which were part of the former Soviet Union: Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia.[http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/201515a4-ef4e-11e0-918b-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=rss Putin's Eurasian push challenges west] by Neil Buckley, Financial Times, 6 October 2011.{{cite news |title=Moscow fleshes out 'Eurasian Union' plans |url=http://www.euractiv.com/europes-east/moscow-fleshes-eurasian-union-pl-news-509042 |newspaper=EurActiv |date=17 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}} Agreements to enlarge the EAEU to the other post-Soviet states of Armenia and Kyrgyzstan were signed on 9 October and 23 December 2014, respectively.{{cite web|url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2014/12/23/eurasian-economic-union-is-born-burdened-by-russian-crisis/|title=Eurasian Economic Union is born burdened by Russian crisis|website=Fox News Latino|access-date=4 June 2015}}{{Cite news|url = http://www.kazpravda.kz/en/news/view/27673|title = Kyrgyz government approved the roadmap for accession to the CES|date = 9 October 2014|access-date = 7 December 2014|publisher = Kazakhstan Pravda|quote = As reported the department of information support of the government apparatus of the country, on the eve Prime Minister Joomart Otorbaev held a meeting of the government, which discussed the action plan (roadmap) for accession of Kyrgyzstan to CES of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia in view of the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union, informed BELTA.}}{{Cite news|url = http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Agreement-on-Kyrgyzstans-accession-to-Customs-Union-to-be-signed-in-December-257392/|title = Agreement on Kyrgyzstan's accession to Customs Union to be signed in December|date = 11 November 2014|access-date = 7 December 2014|publisher = Tengri News|quote = The agreement on Kyrgyzstan's accession into the Customs Union [of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus] is expected to be signed 23 December, Russia's RIA Novosti reports, citing Sapar Issakov, Vice Head of the Kyrgyz President's Staff.}} For Kyrgyzstan, facilitation of labour migration regulations with Russia was seen as the main benefit of joining the Eurasian Economic Union. The population migration indicator had an inverse dependence with GDP per capita, consumer price index, minimum wage, and unemployment rate.{{cite journal|last1=Todorov|first1= G. N.|last2= Kalinina|first2= A. V.|last3=Rybakova|first3=A. I|url=https://jssidoi.org/jesi/article/197|title=Impact of labour migration on entrepreneurship ecosystem: case of Eurasian Economic Union|journal=Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues|volume=5 |issue=4|via=DOAJ|doi=10.9770/jesi.2018.5.4(20)|date=June 30, 2018|pages= 992–1007|s2cid= 56377046|issn= 2345-0282|oclc=7756911602|doi-access=free}}

Armenia announced its decision to join the Eurasian Customs Union in September 2013. President Serj Sargsyan announced the decision after talks with his Russian counterpart President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/europes-east/eu-loses-armenia-russia-customs-news-530224|title=EU loses Armenia to Russia's Customs Union|website=EurActiv – EU News & policy debates, across languages|date=4 September 2013|access-date=25 September 2014}} The treaty enlarging the EAEU to Armenia was signed on 9 October 2014. By signing this contract, Armenia has accepted corresponding application, and thereby gained access to the EAEU single market with a population of 170 million citizens.{{Cite web|title=Armenia is now in the Eurasian Economic Union|url=http://www.eurasiancommission.org/en/nae/news/Pages/02-01-2015-1.aspx|access-date=2021-05-13|website=www.eurasiancommission.org|language=en-us}} Armenia is the only country of the EAEU that has no common border with the other member states of the union. Georgia guaranteed a free transit corridor for exporting its goods to the Eurasian Economic Union, Armenian deputy economic minister Emil Tarasyan stated.{{cite web|url=http://asbarez.com/129320/georgia-ready-to-provide-armenia-free-route-to-eeu/|title=Georgia Ready to Provide Armenia Free Route to EEU|website=asbarez.com|date=26 November 2014 |access-date=7 December 2014}}

Moldova was granted Observer Status in April 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/news/moldova-granted-observer-status-in-eurasian-union/|title=Moldova granted observer status in Eurasian Union|date=19 April 2017}}

Uzbekistan and Cuba became observer members on 11 December 2020.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-11|title=Uzbekistan, Cuba granted observer status at Eurasian Economic Union|url=https://eng.belta.by/politics/view/uzbekistan-cuba-granted-observer-status-at-eurasian-economic-union-135793-2020/|access-date=2021-06-01|website=eng.belta.by|language=en-EN|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123184012/https://eng.belta.by/politics/view/uzbekistan-cuba-granted-observer-status-at-eurasian-economic-union-135793-2020/}} In December 2022, Russian prime minister Mishustin mentioned the advantages of Uzbek full membership in EAEU.{{Cite web|url=https://kun.uz/en/news/2022/12/03/mishustin-uzbekistans-full-membership-in-the-eaeu-will-give-a-powerful-impetus-to-the-development-of-direct-cooperation-ties|title=Mishustin: Uzbekistan's full membership in the EAEU will give a powerful impetus to the development of direct cooperation ties|first=Kun|last=uz|website=Kun.uz}} By February 2023, Uzbek prime minister Aripov announced the completion of the preparatory work to ensure harmonization of national technical regulations with the EAEU standards.{{Cite web|url=https://kun.uz/en/news/2023/02/03/aripov-uzbekistan-has-completed-work-to-simplify-access-to-the-eaeu-markets|title=Aripov: Uzbekistan has completed work to simplify access to the EAEU markets|first=Kun|last=uz|website=Kun.uz}}

Iran was designated as an observer member by the leaders of the five Eurasian Union member states during a meeting in St. Petersburg on December 26, 2024. The event was also attended by Mohammad Atabek, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines, and Trade. According to Bakytjan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Iranian exports to the Eurasian Union rose by 8 percent, while imports from the Union to Iran experienced a 16 percent increase.{{cite web |title=Iran gains observer status in Eurasian Economic Union |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/507955/Iran-gains-observer-status-in-Eurasian-Economic-Union |website=tehrantimes}}

On 12 February 2025, Armenia's parliament approved a bill officially endorsing Armenia's EU accession. In response, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk stated "the EU accession process will mark the beginning of Armenia's withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union."[https://www.commonspace.eu/news/russia-threatens-economic-consequences-armenia-if-it-pursues-membership-european-union Russia threatens economic consequences for Armenia if it pursues membership of the European Union]

Each year, a Member State is elected chairman to head the Union. Chairmanship is passed from country to country in alphabetical order in the Russian language. Belarus currently holds the chairmanship.

{{main|Enlargement of the Eurasian Economic Union}}

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia's goal was to enlarge the Customs Union to all post-Soviet states, excluding the three Baltic EU member states.{{cite web|url=http://euobserver.com/foreign/121304|title=EUobserver: Armenia to join Russia trade bloc, surprises EU|date=3 September 2013 |access-date=3 November 2014}} According to The Guardian newspaper, Russia's plan is for the Eurasian Union to grow into a "powerful, supra-national union" of sovereign states like the European Union, uniting economies, legal systems, customs services, and military capabilities to form a bridge between Europe and Asia to balance the EU and the U.S.[https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/feb/18/brief-primer-vladimir-putin-eurasian-union-trade A brief primer on Vladimir Putin's Eurasian dream], The Guardian, Jon Henley, 18 February 2014

In May 2015, an integration agreement was signed between the Russian Federation and South Ossetia. If South Ossetia were to join, it would be by acceding to the Russian Federation{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}. In 2023, South Ossetia began implementing and integrating the EAEU's common tariffs.{{cite web |title=Елена Джиоева провела заседание комитета парламента Южной Осетии по бюджету и налогам |url=https://www.rsonews.org/ru/news/20231228/53074.html |website=rsonews.org |date=28 December 2023 |access-date=6 April 2024}}

Tajikistan was formally invited to join the union and has expressed its interest in acceding.{{cite news|url=http://www.euronews.com/2014/05/23/astana-gears-up-for-eurasian-economic-union/|title=Astana gears up for Eurasian Economic Union|date=2014-05-23|access-date=2014-07-01}}{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-belarus-kazakhstan-agree-to-create-economic-union/1924941.html|title=Putin Kicks Off Eurasian Union, Without Ukraine|website=VOA|date=29 May 2014 |access-date=25 September 2014}}{{Cite news|url = http://www.rferl.org/content/lavrov-holds-talks-with-tajik-foreign-minister/25475253.html|title = Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov Says Tajikistan Welcome To Join Eurasian Economic Union|date = 30 July 2014|access-date = 30 August 2014|publisher = RL's Tajik Service}}{{Cite news|url = http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2638660|title = Tajikistan shows much interest in Customs Union, Eurasian Economic Union|date = 13 March 2014|access-date = 30 August 2014|publisher = Kazinform International News Agency|location = Dushanbe|archive-date = 3 September 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903092840/http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2638660|url-status = dead}} It is recognized as a potential candidate and membership negotiations are underway.{{Cite news|url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-08/12/c_126858454.htm|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203351/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-08/12/c_126858454.htm|archive-date = 12 August 2014|title = Kyrgyzstan to join Customs Union by year end|last = Xuequan|first = Mu|date = 2014-08-12}}{{cite web|title=Armenia to become full member of EEU in January: Armenian PM|date=24 July 2014|url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Armenia-to-become-full-member-of-EEU-in-January-Armenian-PM-254979/|access-date=26 July 2014}} In 2015, further efforts were made to integrate Tajikistan into the EAEU.{{Cite web|title = Russia Offers to Support Tajikistan…But There's a Price|url = https://thediplomat.com/2015/10/russia-supports-tajikistanfor-a-price/|access-date = 2015-10-02|first = Samuel Ramani, The|last = Diplomat}}{{Cite web|title = Tajikistan Paves the Way to Eurasian Union|url = http://www.cacianalyst.org/publications/field-reports/item/13113-tajikistan-paves-the-way-to-eurasian-union.html|website = The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst|access-date = 2 October 2015}}

{{Quote box|align=left|width=350px|quote=It took Europe 40 years to move from the European Coal and Steel Community to the full European Union. The establishment of the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space is proceeding at a much faster pace because we could draw on the experience of the EU and other regional associations. We see their strengths and weaknesses. And this is our obvious advantage since it means we are in a position to avoid mistakes and unnecessary bureaucratic superstructures.|source=— Vladimir Putin, "A new integration project for Eurasia: The future in the making", Izvestia, 3 October 2011{{cite web|last1=Vladimir|first1=Putin|title=A new integration project for Eurasia: The future in the making|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2009_2014/documents/d-ru/dv/dru_2013_0320_06_/dru_2013_0320_06_en.pdf|website=European Parliament website|access-date=17 March 2017|date=4 October 2011}} }}

Uzbekistan has been hesitant to join the Economic Union, with Uzbek officials making opposing claims on the prospect of integration.{{Cite news|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/top-uzbek-officials-make-opposing-claims-on-customs-union/489561.html|title = Top Uzbek Officials Make Opposing Claims on Customs Union|date = 14 November 2014|access-date = 31 August 2014|website = The Moscow Times|archive-date = 17 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141017110548/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/top-uzbek-officials-make-opposing-claims-on-customs-union/489561.html|url-status = dead}}{{Cite news|url = http://en.ria.ru/world/20131113/184685113/Uzbek-Official-Pours-Cold-Water-on-Customs-Union-Membership.html|title = Uzbek Official Pours Cold Water on Customs Union Membership|last = Babushkin|first = Alexey|date = 13 November 2013|access-date = 31 August 2014|publisher = RIA Novosti}} Originally, the country preferred not to pursue economic and political integration.{{Cite news|url = https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/simon-schmidt/uzbekistan-prefers-regime-security-over-economic-integration|title = Uzbekistan prefers regime security over economic integration|last = Schmidt|first = Simon|date = 1 July 2014|access-date = 31 August 2014|publisher = Open Democracy}}{{cite news|url = http://www.armenianweekly.com/2014/08/21/armenia-eeu-social-economic-assessment-2/|title = Armenia and the EEU: A Social and Economic Assessment|last = Torikian|first = Aren|date = 21 August 2014|access-date = 31 August 2014|newspaper = The Armenian Weekly|quote = Azerbaijan has also withdrawn any interest in the deal, as have Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.}}{{Cite news|url = http://www.thewashingtonreview.org/articles/russias-policy-of-integration-in-central-asia.html|title = Russia's Policy of Integration in Central Asia|last = B. Assanbayev|first = Mukhit|date = October 2013|access-date = 31 August 2014|publisher = The Washington Review of Turkish and Eurasian Affairs|quote = Since Uzbekistan has no interest in joining the integration projects with Russia, Tajikistan's participation in the Customs Union remains a question.|archive-date = 3 September 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903085306/http://www.thewashingtonreview.org/articles/russias-policy-of-integration-in-central-asia.html|url-status = dead}} Russian officials have stated that integration with the country would be slow and analysts state that as Russian influence and trade increases in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan it may persuade Uzbekistan to join in the future.{{Cite news|url = http://iwpr.net/report-news/kyrgyzstan-gets-soft-terms-customs-union-entry|title = Kyrgyzstan Gets Soft Terms for Customs Union Entry|last = Dyatlenko|first = Pavel|date = 6 June 2014|access-date = 31 August 2014|publisher = Institute for War and Peace Reporting|archive-date = 3 September 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903092324/http://iwpr.net/report-news/kyrgyzstan-gets-soft-terms-customs-union-entry}} Uzbekistan began its integration process when Russia announced it would write off US$865 million off debt owed by the country. Uzbekistan joined the Commonwealth of Independent States Free Trade Area in 2014, meaning it has free trade with EAEU member states.{{cite news|title=Post-Soviet integration processes to benefit Moscow–Tashkent relations – Putin|url=http://itar-tass.com/en/economy/766223|access-date=30 December 2014|publisher=Tass|date=10 December 2014|quote=Russia will start talks with Uzbekistan on a free trade zone between the post-Soviet trade bloc and the Central Asian republic, Putin said on Wednesday.}}{{cite news|title=Russia Cozies Up to Uzbekistan With $865 Million Debt Write-Off|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/russia-cozies-up-to-uzbekistan-with-865-million-debt-write-off/513096.html|access-date=30 December 2014|newspaper=The Moscow Times|date=10 December 2014|archive-date=28 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228225231/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/russia-cozies-up-to-uzbekistan-with-865-million-debt-write-off/513096.html|url-status=dead}}[http://www.azernews.az/region/65752.html Uzbekistan joins CIS free trade zone], azernews.az. Retrieved 23 June 2016. According to some sources, Uzbekistan does not intend to become a full member of the EAEU,{{cite news|title=Mirzieev svernul s dorogi v EAES|url=https://vesti.uz/mirzieev-svernul-s-dorogi-v-eaes/|access-date=25 January 2020|publisher=Vesti.uz|date=27 January 2020}} due to Uzbekistan's neutrality which is enshrined in the country's legislation. In March 2020, Uzbekistan announced that it wished to become a Eurasian Union observer state.{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-observer-of-russia-led-trade-bloc/30474675.html|title=Uzbekistan Says It Will Be 'Observer' Of Russia-Led Trade Bloc|date=2020-03-07|access-date=2020-03-07|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}} In September 2023, Uzbekistan estimated that it will join EAEU in 2–3 years.{{cite web |date=Sep 4, 2023 |title=Uzbekistan Moving Closer To Joining The Eurasian Economic Union |url=https://www.silkroadbriefing.com/news/2023/09/04/uzbekistan-moving-closer-to-joining-the-eurasian-economic-union/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925221603/https://www.silkroadbriefing.com/news/2023/09/04/uzbekistan-moving-closer-to-joining-the-eurasian-economic-union/ |archive-date=Sep 25, 2023}} In October 2024, the chair of a parliamentary commission examining the potential for Uzbekistan to join the EAEU as a full member stated that "our conclusion is that Uzbekistan is best served by maintaining its observer status."{{cite web|url=https://kun.uz/en/news/2024/10/18/akmal-saidov-uzbekistan-will-not-join-military-alliances-or-allow-foreign-bases-on-its-territory|title=Akmal Saidov: Uzbekistan will not join military alliances or allow foreign bases on its territory|date=2024-10-18|accessdate=2024-10-19|publisher=Kun.uz}}

Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia have been offered by both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union to join their integration unions. All three countries signed Association Agreements with the EU on 21 March 2014.{{Cite web|url = http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-430_en.htm|title = The EU's Association Agreements with Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine|date = 23 June 2014|access-date = 30 August 2014|website = Official website of the European Union}} However, break-away regions of Moldova (Transnistria),{{cite web|title=Russian Deputy Foreign Minister pleas for Transnistria's integration in Customs Union|url=http://actmedia.eu/daily/russian-deputy-foreign-minister-pleas-for-transnistria-s-integration-in-customs-union/52593|access-date=8 July 2014}} Ukraine (Donetsk and Luhansk){{citation needed|date=May 2023}} and Georgia (South Ossetia and Abkhazia){{citation needed|date=May 2023}} have expressed a desire to join the Eurasian Customs Union and integrate into the Eurasian Economic Union. Association Agreements with the EU are exclusionary to EAEU observer status, as in 2017 Moldova became the EAEU's first observer state and has attended EAEU forums in years since.

Ukraine submitted an application to participate in the Eurasian Economic Union as an observer in August 2013.[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/182869.html Ukraine seeking observer status in Eurasian Economic Union – Yanukovych], Interfax-Ukraine (19 December 2013) Viktor Yanukovych's decision to abandon an association agreement with the European Union and exclusively pursue integration with the EAEU was a key factor in the Euromaidan protests that ended his term as president of Ukraine followed by annexation of Crimea by Russia. The country's membership in the EAEU was seen by some analysts as the key to the success of the union as Ukraine has the second largest economy of any of the 15 former republics of the Soviet Union. With high tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the wake of the crisis, Ukraine decided to pursue integration with the EU.

Turkey was extended an invitation to join the EAEU by Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev on 6 June 2014 but the country prefers to join the EU.{{cite news|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-349785-kazakh-leader-turkey-should-join-eurasian-union.html|title=Kazakh leader: Turkey should join Eurasian union|newspaper=Today's Zaman|date=6 June 2014|access-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630233732/http://www.todayszaman.com/news-349785-kazakh-leader-turkey-should-join-eurasian-union.html|archive-date=30 June 2014}}

Georgia's Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili said in September 2013 he was studying the possibility of acceding to the Union, although he later clarified that Georgia's main strategy was still to integrate into the European Union.{{cite news |title=Georgian Prime Minister leaves open possibility of joining Eurasian Union |url=http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c32/863940.html |newspaper=Information Telegraph Agency of Russia |date=4 September 2013}}{{cite news |title=Georgian PM commented on his statement on Eurasian Union |url=http://en.trend.az/regions/scaucasus/georgia/2186772.html |newspaper=Trend News Agency |date=6 September 2013}} Russia's Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev included Georgia as a prospective member in statements made in August 2013.{{cite news |title=Medvedev wants Georgia to join Eurasian Union |url=http://dfwatch.net/medvedev-wants-georgia-to-join-eurasian-union-81032 |date=7 August 2013}}

The member states of the EAEU have reached an agreement with China to conjunct the EAEU with the Belt and Road Initiative, opting for collaboration instead of competition.{{Cite book |last=Sahakyan |first=Mher |url=https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781003439110 |title=Routledge Handbook of Chinese and Eurasian International Relations |date=2024-06-13 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-003-43911-0 |edition=1 |location=London |language=en |doi=10.4324/9781003439110}} It is important to note that there is also significant cooperation between the EAEU and China in the areas of high technology and digitalization.{{Cite journal |last=Sahakyan |first=Mher D. |date=2024-12-09 |title=China's Digital Silk Road and the Eurasian Economic Union's Member States: Cooperation, Challenges, and Opportunities |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03068374.2024.2421501 |journal=Asian Affairs |language=en |pages=1–20 |doi=10.1080/03068374.2024.2421501 |issn=0306-8374}}

File:Decision making process of the Eurasian Customs Union and the Single Economic Space.jpg and the Single Economic Space{{cite web|title=Decision making process in the Eurasian Economic Commission|url=http://eurasiancommission.org/en/nae/news/Pages/16-05-2014-5.aspx|publisher=Eurasian Commission|access-date=27 August 2014|language=ru|date=27 March 2014}}]]

The Eurasian Economic Union has sought to base its model on the European Union. All institutions carry out their work in compliance with the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and the international agreements that provide the legal and regulatory framework of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space.

{{main|Supreme Eurasian Economic Council}}

The Supreme Council, which is composed by the heads of state of the member states, makes important decisions for the union. It approves the budget and the distribution of the contribution of the Member States. The Supreme Council also determines the strategy, direction and prospects of integration and takes decisions aimed at achieving the goals of the union.{{Cite news|url = https://docs.eaeunion.org/docs/ru-ru/0003610/itia_05062014|title = Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union|date = 29 May 2014|access-date = 27 December 2024|publisher = eaeunion.org}}{{Cite journal|url = http://sps.yurclub.ru/home/document/560461571|archive-url = https://archive.today/20140816184013/http://sps.yurclub.ru/home/document/560461571|archive-date = 16 August 2014|title = Draft Treaty of the Eurasian Economic Union (May 2014)|date = 29 May 2014|access-date = 30 August 2014|website = yurclub.ru}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.zhgtu.kz/images/stories/eeu/31548839.doc |format=DOC |title=Draft Treaty of the Eurasian Economic Union (May 2014) |date=29 May 2014 |access-date=30 August 2014 |website=Zhambyl Humanitarian-Technical University |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090533/http://www.zhgtu.kz/images/stories/eeu/31548839.doc |archive-date=19 August 2014}}{{Cite web |url = http://online.zakon.kz/Document/?doc_id=31548839|title = Draft Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (May 2014)|date = 29 May 2014|access-date =30 August 2014 |website =Zakon}}

{{main|Eurasian Economic Commission}}

The Eurasian Commission was established as the supranational governing body of the Eurasian Economic Space on 1 January 2012. The commission was modelled on the European Commission. Its headquarters are in Moscow. The commission monitors subordinate branches and advisory bodies. Its departments were greatly expanded on 1 January 2015, and the number of international employees increased from 150 to 1,200.

The Eurasian Commission can take decisions on not only the customs policy of the union, but also on the macro-economy, the competition regulations, the energy policy and the fiscal policy of the Eurasian Economic Union. It has strict anti-corruption laws.{{cite news |script-title=ru:Встреча президентов России, Республики Беларусь и Казахстана |url=http://kremlin.ru/news/13581 |work=kremlin.ru |language=ru |date=18 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}

The Eurasian Economic Commission consists of two bodies: the Council and the Collegium.

The council is composed of the Vice Prime Ministers of the member states. The council of the Commission oversees the integration processes in the Union, and is responsible for the overall management of the Eurasian Commission. It monitors the commission by approving the draft budget of the union, the maximum number of personnel, and the qualification requirements for the commission's employees. The council convenes once every quarter.

It also considers issues of customs cooperation, trade and development of Eurasian integration. The council regularly holds discussions on the important aspects of the EAEU and meets with business representatives of the member states.{{cite web|title=Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission|url=http://www.customsbemoscow.org/home/05-subjects/organisations/01-customs-union/eurasian-economic-commission/council-of-the-eurasian-economic-commission|website=CustomsBeMoscow|access-date=8 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215331/http://www.customsbemoscow.org/home/05-subjects/organisations/01-customs-union/eurasian-economic-commission/council-of-the-eurasian-economic-commission|archive-date=3 March 2016}}

The Board is composed of ten commissioners, one of which is the chairman of the board.{{cite book|title=Eurasian Union Brochure 2014 – English|url=http://www.eurasiancommission.org/en/Documents/broshura26_ENGL_2014.pdf|pages=26–27|access-date=8 July 2014}} Each member state provides two commissioners to the Board of the Eurasian Commission who carry out the operational management and oversee the everyday work of the Eurasian Commission. All ten commissioners are appointed by the Supreme Eurasian Council for a four-year renewable term. The commissioners also receive the status of federal ministers in their respective countries.

The Board of the commission is the executive body of the commission. It convenes once every week at least, and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Eurasian Economic Union. It has a wide range of activities, including monitoring the implementation of treaties, submitting annual progress reports and making recommendations. The Board also assists member states in the settlement of disputes, and carries out the draft of the union's budget. Part of its activities include being the intermediary between the departments of the commission and the heads of state of the member states.

A number of departments are headed by the commissioners. The lower rank staff is composed of 84% Russian officials, 10% Kazakhs and 6% Belarusians, proportional to the populations of the member states. The departments enable the Board of the Eurasian Commission to make decisions not only with regard to customs policies, but in such areas as macroeconomics, regulation of economic competition, energy policy and financial policy. The Commission departments are also involved in government procurement and labour migration control.

{{clear left}}

As of 2015, the EAEU has no directly or indirectly elected body. In 2012, the creation of a Eurasian parliament was under consideration.{{cite web|title=Naryshkin Calls for Establishment of Eurasian Parliament|date=25 April 2012|url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20120425/173043817.html|publisher=RIA Novosti|access-date=9 July 2014}}{{cite web|last1=D.|first1=Mukhtarov|title=Home ' Central Asia ' Kazakhstan Russian, Kazakh and Belarusian MPs to discuss Eurasian Parliament creation|url=http://en.trend.az/regions/casia/kazakhstan/2061652.html|website=Trend|date=4 September 2012|access-date=9 July 2014}} However, it was considered too premature, and member states have instead begun harmonising national laws and legal codes.{{cite book|author1=Steven Blockmans|author2=Hrant Kostanyan|author3=Ievgen Vorobiov|editor1-last=CEPS|title=Towards a Eurasian Economic Union: The challenge of integration and unity|url=http://www.ceps.eu/system/files/CEPS%20Special%20Report%20No%2075%20-%20Towards%20a%20Eurasian%20Economic%20Union.pdf|date=December 2012|issue=75|page=3|access-date=9 July 2014|series=Special Report|publisher=Centre for European Policy Studies}}

Russian president Vladimir Putin has upheld the idea of creating a parliament for the union.{{cite web|title=Creation of Eurasian Union parliament deemed possible|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/708233|publisher=Itar-Tass|access-date=9 July 2014}}

The Court of the Eurasian Economic Union replaced the Court of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC Court) in 2015. It is in charge of dispute resolution and the interpretation of the legal order within the Eurasian Economic Union. Its headquarters is in Minsk.{{cite news|author1=Edward Borovikov|author2=Igor Danilov|title=Notes on the Future Court of the Eurasian Economic Union|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/b2b-notes-on-the-future-court-of-the-eurasian-economic-union/499094.html|newspaper=The Moscow Times|access-date=10 July 2014|date=28 April 2014}} The court is composed of two judges from each member state, appointed by the heads of government of the member states. Their term of office is nine years.

The approved budget of the Eurasian Economic Union for 2015 exceeds 6.6 billion Russian roubles.{{cite news|title=EEU budget 2015 to exceed RUB 6.6bn|url=http://eng.belta.by/all_news/economics/EEU-budget-2015-to-exceed-RUB-66bn_i_77821.html|access-date=7 January 2015|publisher=BelTA|date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107232103/http://eng.belta.by/all_news/economics/EEU-budget-2015-to-exceed-RUB-66bn_i_77821.html|archive-date=7 January 2015}}{{cite news|title=EEU budget 2015 to exceed RUB 6.6bn|url=http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2724891|access-date=7 January 2015|publisher=Kazinform|date=8 December 2014|archive-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107231630/http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2724891|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=EEU budget 2015 to exceed RUB 6.6bn|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/176903/eeu-budget-2015-to-exceed-rub-6-6bn.html|access-date=7 January 2015|publisher=Turkish Weekly|date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107231851/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/176903/eeu-budget-2015-to-exceed-rub-6-6bn.html|archive-date=7 January 2015}} The budget is formed from contributions by the union's member states. In 2015, 6 billion roubles will be allocated for the activity of the Eurasian Economic Commission, 463 million roubles will be set aside for financing the operation and further development of the EAEU integrated information system designed to promote and inform consumers of the EAEU's activities, and over 290 millions roubles will finance the activities of the Court of the EAEU.These numbers only reflect the official budget (direct money) allocated for the functioning of the union. Vast amounts of additional funds come from national governments and other institutions to ease, promote or facilitate Eurasian integration.

Extra expenses of infrastructure and accommodation of commission workers are financed by Russia.

In addition, Russia allocated US$1 billion to accelerate Kyrgyzstan's entry into the union.{{cite news|title=Russia to allot $1.2 billion to help Kyrgyzstan in accession to Customs Union|url=http://itar-tass.com/en/economy/734052|access-date=7 January 2015|publisher=Tass|date=30 May 2014}}{{cite news|title=Russia To Allocate $1.2 Billion To Help Kyrgyzstan Join Customs Union|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-to-allocate-12-billion-to-help-kyrgyzstan-join-customs-union/25404113.html|access-date=7 January 2015|publisher=Radio Free Europe – Radio Liberty|date=30 May 2014}} Another US$177 million was provided by Kazakhstan.{{cite news|title=Bishkek Astana wants $177 million for the CU|url=http://www.kursiv.kz/news/details/vlast/bishkek_khochet_ot_astany_177_mln_za_vstuplenie_v_ts/|access-date=7 January 2015|publisher=kursiv.kz|date=28 June 2014|archive-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107231702/http://www.kursiv.kz/news/details/vlast/bishkek_khochet_ot_astany_177_mln_za_vstuplenie_v_ts/}}

According to Article 110 of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (2014) the Russian language is the working language of the 'Bodies of the Union'.{{cite web|url=https://docs.eaeunion.org/en-us/pages/displaydocument.aspx?s=bef9c798-3978-42f3-9ef2-d0fb3d53b75f&w=632c7868-4ee2-4b21-bc64-1995328e6ef3&l=540294ae-c3c9-4511-9bf8-aaf5d6e0d169&entityid=3610|title=Страницы - DisplayDocument.aspx|website=docs.eaeunion.org}}

The Treaty on Increased Integration in the Economic and Humanitarian Fields signed in 1996 laid the first foundation for economic convergence. The treaty ensured the creation of a permanent executive organ to oversee integration of states that later would be part of the EAEU. It served as the blueprint for the future common market for goods, services, capital and labour. The Single Economic Space established a single market across the territory of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan. In 2015 with the entry into force of the EAEU Agreement, the single market was expanded to include Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. The countries represent a market of some 180 million people and a combined GDP PPP of around $5 trillion.

Eurasian Economic Union has the tenth-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP and the fifth-largest by purchasing power parity.

Since the turn of the century, member states have experienced economic growth with GDP averaging 6% to 8% growth between 2000 and 2007, rising again in 2010 after the Financial crisis of 2007–08.

Since the establishment of the Eurasian Customs Union in 2010, trade between member states rose sharply. In 2011 mutual trade was $63 billion, 33.9% more than in 2010. In 2012, mutual trade was $68 billion and combined exports reached $594 billion, while imports were $341 billion. The first integration stage primarily enhanced trade among member states, bolstered economies and created a legal and institutional foundation for the member states. The second stage includes the free movements of goods, people, services and capital.

The Eurasian Economic Union is designed to reach a number of macroeconomic objectives such as reducing commodity prices by reducing the cost of transportation of raw materials, increasing return on new technologies and products due to the increased market volume, and promoting "healthy" competition in the common market. It is also designed to lower food prices, increase employment in industries and increase production capacity. EAEU members like Belarus and Kazakhstan (by its Nurly Zhol economic policy) seek to leverage the EAEU as a bridge between the European Union and the New Silk Road economic belt.{{cite news |title=Alexander Lukashenko meets with new Chairman of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission |url=http://www.tvr.by/eng/news/prezident/aleksandr_lukashenko_vstretilsya_s_novym_predsedatelem_kollegii_evraziyskoy_ekonomicheskoy_komissii/ |agency=TVR}}

The Eurasian Union is considered as a major player in the world's energy sector, raw materials, arms industry and agricultural production. In 2013 Russia was the 3rd most successful country in the world in attracting capital from abroad.{{Cite news|url = https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2014/01/29/russia-is-no-3-in-attracting-foreign-direct-investment-a31566 |title = Russia is No. 3 in Attracting Foreign Direct Investment|date = 29 January 2014|work =TheMoscowTimes.com |access-date = 2020-03-08}}

File:Moscow-City (36211143494).jpg|The Moscow International Business Center is a commercial district in Moscow that is currently under construction. The complex includes some of Europe's tallest skyscrapers.

File:Spb 06-2017 img01 Spit of Vasilievsky Island.jpg|Saint Petersburg, the second-largest city and cultural capital of Russia

File:Mount Ararat and the Yerevan skyline (June 2018).jpg|Yerevan, the capital and financial hub of Armenia

File:Almaty, Kok-tobe exposition 3.jpg|Almaty, the major commercial and cultural centre of Kazakhstan

File:Bischkek.jpg|Bishkek, the capital and financial hub of Kyrgyzstan

File:Минск_немига.jpg|Minsk, the capital of Belarus

{{main|Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union|Eurasian Economic Space}}

File:Знак EAC на креме для бритья.JPG EAC]]

The core objective of the Single Economic Space is the development of a single market and achieving the "four freedoms", namely the free movements of goods, capital, services and people within the single market. The four freedoms came into effect on 1 January 2015 (the day the Eurasian Economic Union was officially established). The free movement of people means that citizens can move freely among member states to live, work, study or retire.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} Citizens of the member states of the union may travel to other member states on an internal passport. Although Russia also admits access to citizens of other CIS states without a passport, it is expected that after 2015 only citizens of the Customs Union will have this privilege.{{in lang|ru}} [http://ria.ru/society/20121212/914456159.html Путин: въезд в РФ должен быть разрешен только по загранпаспортам] (Putin: passports will be required for entering Russia), 12 December 2012

Member states have a common external tariff on all goods entering the market and unified methods of valuing imported goods since the creation of the Eurasian Customs Union on 1 January 2010.

Objectives include joint coordination in the area of energy, industry, agriculture and transport.

Roughly 75% of Belarusian goods are exported, about half of which go to other member states.{{Cite web|url = http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/belarus/|title = Trade – Belarus|access-date = 26 August 2014|publisher = European Commission}} Trade within the union primarily consists of Belarusian machinery and agricultural products which are exported to Russia. Low gas prices from Russian energy producers are guaranteed to member states or countries wishing to join the union.{{Cite news|url = http://eng.belta.by/all_news/president/EEU-Treaty-is-beneficial-for-Belarus-Lukashenko-says_i_74134.html|title = EEU Treaty is beneficial for Belarus, Lukashenko says|date = 1 July 2014|access-date = 26 August 2014|publisher = Belarusian News|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140827030023/http://eng.belta.by/all_news/president/EEU-Treaty-is-beneficial-for-Belarus-Lukashenko-says_i_74134.html|archive-date = 27 August 2014}}{{Cite news|url = http://www.monitorglobaloutlook.com/Briefings/2014/06/eurasian-union-will-redirect-belorussian-trade|title = Eurasian Union will redirect Belarussian trade|date = 13 June 2014|access-date = 26 August 2014|publisher = Monitor Global Outlook|location = Belarus, Minsk|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140826193449/http://www.monitorglobaloutlook.com/Briefings/2014/06/eurasian-union-will-redirect-belorussian-trade|archive-date = 26 August 2014}}

Besides free movement of goods, services, capital and labour without a work permit ("four economic freedoms" as in the European Union), the EAEU pursues coordinated, harmonized and single policy in the sectors determined by the Treaty and international agreements within the Union.

The Eurasian Economic Commission operates a competition policy to ensure equal competitive conditions in the commodity markets of the Single Economic Space. It also aims at harmonisation and improvement of legislation of each of the three countries in regard to competition policy. The commission serves as the competition regulator for the single market and is also responsible for antitrust issues. Special regulations limit state intervention in the economy.{{cite web|title=Competitiveness Policy|url=http://www.eurasiancommission.org/en/act/caa/Pages/default.aspx|publisher=Eurasian Commission|access-date=14 July 2014}}

{{Quote box|bgcolor=#c6dbf7|width=350px|quote=The increased use of the national currencies of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan and the creation of a single payment system can raise about a transition to a single currency for the union.|source=— Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Director of Financial Policy Department of the Eurasian Economic Commission, 3 August 2014{{cite news|title=Media: Eurasian Economic Union may acquire a single currency|url=http://vz.ru/news/2014/8/3/698621.html|access-date=8 December 2014|publisher=VZ.ru|language=ru|quote=В случае успешного расширения использования национальных валют России, Белоруссии и Казахстана, создания единой платежной системы может быть поднят вопрос о переходе к единой валюте, пишет «Российская газета».}} }}

Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev had first proposed, in 2009, the creation of a common noncash currency called "yevraz" for the Eurasian Economic Community. It would have reportedly helped insulate the countries from the global economic crisis.{{cite web|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/kazakhstan-suggests-a-new-currency/375212.html|title=Kazakhstan Suggests a New Currency – News|website=The Moscow Times|date=12 March 2009 |access-date=4 June 2015}} In 2012, the idea of the new joint currency found support from Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev and by 2014 proposals were drafted in Eurasian Commission documents for the establishment of a Eurasian Central Bank and a common currency to be called the altyn which is to be introduced by 2025.{{cite web|title=Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus to have new joint currency|date=10 April 2014|url=http://english.pravda.ru/russia/economics/10-04-2014/127325-russia_kazakhstan_belarus_new_currency-0/|access-date=8 July 2014}}

When discussing the Eurasian Economic Union, Vladimir Putin said the Eurasian Economic Union would include closer coordination of economic and monetary policy, including the use of a common currency in the future.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} Although the creation of a monetary union was not envisaged in the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev called for the introduction of a common currency for the Eurasian Economic Union. Leonid Slutsky, head of the State Duma's CIS committee, backed Medvedev's proposal to start discussions on the creation of a monetary union. Slutsky said it could be introduced shortly after 2015, when the union's structure becomes clear.{{cite news|last1=Irina|first1=Filatova|title=What Euro Crisis? Russia Seeks Single Currency|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/what-euro-crisis-russia-seeks-single-currency/460456.html|newspaper=The Moscow Times|access-date=8 July 2014}}{{cite web|title=Possible currency union within Eurasian Economic Union to be considered in future |date=10 April 2014|url=http://english.pravda.ru/russia/economics/10-04-2014/127325-russia_kazakhstan_belarus_new_currency-0/|publisher=Pravda|access-date=8 July 2014}}

Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko, circulated the idea of creating a "new euro" for the Eurasian economic bloc. In April 2014, discussions to introduce a single currency resumed.

Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister, Igor Shuvalov, stated on 24 July 2014 that the Eurasian Economic Union will have a common currency unit in a span of five to ten years.{{cite web|title=Eurasian Economic Union to have common currency in 5–10 years|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/economy/742323|access-date=26 July 2014}}

The Eurasian Economic Union is seen as an energy superpower, producing about 20.7% of the world's natural gas, and 14.6% of the world's oil and gas condensate in 2012, making it the world's top producer in both domains.

It is worth mentioning that these figures are mainly due to Russian Membership of EAEU, with Kazakhstan contributing 1.9% and 0.6% in gas and oil production respectively. Considerably small oil and gas reserved were discovered in Belarus while there are no such resources in Armenia.{{Cite web |title=THE COMMON ENERGY MARKET OF THE EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION: Implications for the European Union and the role of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) |url=https://www.energycharter.org/fileadmin/DocumentsMedia/Occasional/1The_common_energy_market_of_the_EAEU-implications_for_the__EU_and_the_role_of_the_ECT.pdf |website=International Energy Charter}}

It also produces 9% of the world's electrical energy and 5.9% of the world's coal, making it the third and fourth producer in the world, respectively.

In Kazakhstan, energy is the leading economic sector. The country holds about 4 billion tons of proven recoverable oil reserves and {{convert|2,000|km3|mi3|sp=us}} of gas. Kazakhstan is the world's 17th largest oil exporter and the world's 23rd largest natural gas exporter.

Russia has the world's largest natural gas reserves,[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2253rank.html Country Comparison :: Natural gas – proved reserves] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307234405/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2253rank.html |date=7 March 2017 }}. CIA World Factbook. Retrieved 3 February 2014. the 8th largest oil reserves,[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2244rank.html Country Comparison :: Oil – proved reserves] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615184739/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2244rank.html |date=15 June 2013 }}. CIA World Factbook. Retrieved 3 February 2014. and the second largest coal reserves.{{cite web|url=http://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp/pdf/Energy-economics/statistical-review-2014/BP-statistical-review-of-world-energy-2014-coal-section.pdf|title=BP Statistical review of world energy 2014|publisher=BP|date=2014|access-date=7 January 2015}} Russia is also the world's leading natural gas exporter[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2251rank.html Country Comparison :: Natural gas – exports] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226020904/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2251rank.html |date=26 December 2018 }}. CIA World Factbook. Retrieved 3 February 2014. and the second largest natural gas producer,"[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2249rank.html Country Comparison :: Natural gas – production] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315051210/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2249rank.html |date=15 March 2016 }}", CIA World Factbook. Retrieved 3 February 2014. while also the largest oil exporter and the largest oil producer. While trade in oil and gas between resource-rich Russia and Kazakhstan is relatively low, the Belarus economy is heavily dependent on the access to the Russian hydrocarbons and – unlike the case with Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, Russia is Belarus's main trade partner accounting for 47% of all the trade. Belarus imports Russian crude oil (of which 45–50% were used for production of oil products to export) and natural gas (which were not directly re-exported) for the prices below the market ones, paying $173 for 1000 cubic meters of gas (for comparison – $250 for Armenia, $430 for Ukraine).

By 2019, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia intend to create a common electricity market as well as a single hydrocarbons market by 2025. "With the creation of a single hydrocarbons market, we will have a deeper coordination that will allow us to be more competitive both in terms of pricing and in terms of getting high value added products in this very interesting and important market", stated Eurasian Commissioner Daniyal Akhmetov.{{cite news|last1=Plaschinsky|first1=George|title=Eurasian Integration: Does Lukashenka Have A Choice?|url=http://belarusdigest.com/story/eurasian-integration-does-lukashenka-have-choice-17740|access-date=4 September 2014|publisher=Belarus Digest|date=6 June 2014|quote=Integrators postponed creation of the single electrical energy market to 2019 and the single financial and oil and gas markets to 2025.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908201918/http://belarusdigest.com/story/eurasian-integration-does-lukashenka-have-choice-17740|archive-date=8 September 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Mukhtarov|first1=Daniyar|title=Single hydrocarbons market of Eurasian Economic Union to be created by 2025|url=http://en.trend.az/business/energy/2277110.html|access-date=4 September 2014|publisher=Trend|date=24 May 2014|quote=The single hydrocarbons market of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAU) will be created by 2025, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Danial Akhmetov said.}}

File:Trans-Siberia048.jpg is a vital link between the Russian Far East and the rest of Eurasia.]]

The major economic centres are Moscow, Minsk and Astana.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} The distance between Moscow and Minsk is 717 kilometers, and the distance between Moscow and Astana is 2700 kilometers, making infrastructure a key challenge for the integration of member states. Major infrastructure projects began during the 2000s in order to modernise and connect the regional bloc to other markets, facilitating both integration and trade in the region. In 2007 Moscow announced it will invest US$1 trillion by 2020 to modernise the country's infrastructure.{{cite news|title=Russia to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/russia-investment-idUKL2121712020070921|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130032119/http://uk.reuters.com/article/russia-investment-idUKL2121712020070921|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 January 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=14 July 2014}}{{cite web|title=Russia: A Snapshot|url=http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/capital-projects-infrastructure/assets/russia-snapshot.pdf|date=2013|access-date=14 July 2014}}

Kazakhstan ranks favorably in terms of kilometres of road per inhabitant as other developed countries in the world have much less roadway per inhabitant.{{cite web|title=Kazakhstan – Infrastructure, power, and communications|url=http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Kazakhstan-INFRASTRUCTURE-POWER-AND-COMMUNICATIONS.html|website=Encyclopedia of the Nations|access-date=6 January 2015}}{{cite web|title=Kazakhstan|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/utility/printdocument.aspx?id=1G2:3410100141|website=Encyclopedia.com|access-date=6 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120093720/http://www.encyclopedia.com/utility/printdocument.aspx?id=1G2:3410100141|archive-date=20 January 2015}}

Railways have been the primary way of linking countries in the Eurasian Economic Union since the 19th century. It has always been the main way of transport in the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union up until today. The union ranks 2nd in the world in terms of railway trackage (about 7.8% of the world's share). However it is still looking to improve cross-border trade within the union.

The Eurasian Development Bank has pledged to help in the construction of facilities to produce new generation freight cars and freight containers in Tikhvin, Russia and in Osipovichi, Belarus to respond to the increasing demand for rail transport. Projects have also been launched in Kazakhstan, as the landlocked country is highly dependent on railways for trade.

The most renowned railway in the union is the Trans-Siberian Railway which links the Russian Far East to Moscow. The Southern route also travels via Kazakhstan.{{cite web|title=Investing in development and integration|url=http://eabr.org/general//upload/Presentations/Буклет%20о%20проектах%20банка%20новый_анг.pdf|publisher=Eurasian Development Bank|access-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130031629/http://eabr.org/general/upload/Presentations/%D0%91%D1%83%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%82%20%D0%BE%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%85%20%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%B0%20%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8B%D0%B9_%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B3.pdf|archive-date=30 January 2017}}{{cite web|title=Kazakhstan – Infrastructure, power, and communications|url=http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Kazakhstan-INFRASTRUCTURE-POWER-AND-COMMUNICATIONS.html#ixzz37MpBsJ7j|publisher=Encyclopedia of the Nations|access-date=14 July 2014}}

The EAEU members cooperate with China's Digital Silk Road and have incorporated Chinese technologies into their digital infrastructure.{{Cite book |last=Parzyan |first=Anahit |url= |title=China and Eurasian Powers in a Multipolar World Order 2.0: Security, Diplomacy, Economy and Cyberspace |date=2023 |publisher=Routledge |others=Mher Sahakyan |isbn=978-1-003-35258-7 |edition= |location=New York |oclc=1353290533}}{{Rp|page=187}}

File:Turk-Sib railway.jpg connects the Central Asian republics to Siberia.]]

The Single Eurasian Sky programme, administered by the Eurasian Economic Commission, outlines the creation of a single market for air services and a single air traffic zone. The single air traffic zone would make it easier for airlines to draw up new flight paths, thereby increasing the number of flights flying through the region. Eurasian Commissioner, Daniyal Akhmetov, said that it would be created on a step-by-step basis.{{cite web|last1=Akhmetov|first1=Daniyal|title="The CU railroad alliance to increase share of carriage from China to EU via the SES territory 10-folds," – Member of the EEC Board -Minister in charge of Energy and Infrastructure Daniyal Akhmetov|url=http://www.eurasiancommission.org/en/nae/news/Pages/22-05-2014-1.aspx|publisher=Eurasian Economic Commission|access-date=4 September 2014|date=22 May 2014}} In June 2014, Belarusian Airline Belavia stated that it was ready to move towards the development of the Single Eurasian Sky. The terms and conditions of operation in the common aviation market have not yet been agreed on. However, the project is likely to be modelled on the European Union's Single European Sky.{{cite news|title=Belavia: Belarus ready to move pretty fast towards single Eurasian sky|url=http://eng.belta.by/all_news/economics/Belavia-Belarus-ready-to-move-pretty-fast-towards-single-Eurasian-sky_i_74020.html|access-date=4 September 2014|publisher=Belarusian News: National Source of News|date=26 June 2014|location=Minsk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205222236/http://eng.belta.by/all_news/economics/Belavia-Belarus-ready-to-move-pretty-fast-towards-single-Eurasian-sky_i_74020.html|archive-date=5 December 2014}} The project will reportedly help turn the airspace of the Eurasian Union into a popular transit hub between Europe and Southeast Asia. "We should understand that currently, the aviation companies of Kazakhstan and Belarus are not able to compete with Russia's aviation companies. Therefore, the programme will envisage a phasing, creating a competitive environment and so on", Eurasian Commissioner Akhmetov said.{{cite news|last1=Mukhtarov|first1=Daniyar|title=Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus developing Single Eurasian Sky programme|url=http://en.trend.az/casia/kazakhstan/2277034.html|access-date=4 September 2014|publisher=Trend|date=22 May 2014}}

File:Ivan Shishkin - Рожь - Google Art Project.jpg by Ivan Shishkin]]

The Eurasian Economic Union is the top producer of sugar beet and sunflower, producing 18.6% of the world's sugar beet and 22.7% of the world's sunflowers in 2012, as well as a top producer of rye, barley, buckwheat, oats and sunflower seed. It is also a large producer of potatoes, wheat and grain (and grain legumes).

Part of the competences of the Eurasian Economic Commission are agriculture subsidies. It is responsible for the coordination of agricultural policy-making between member states and ensuring collective food security.

The Eurasian Development Bank finances projects to further integration and develop agriculture. It has disbursed approximately US$470 million for projects between 2008 and 2013.

File:EAEU GDP per capita.svg

Member states remain optimistic of the union and key partners in the region, namely China, Iran, Turkey remain interested in it. A common belief is that the Eurasian Economic Union has significant potential over the next two decades, with experts predicting a 25 percent growth in the member states' GDP by 2030, which equates to over US$600 billion.{{cite web|title=Leaders of Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus to meet in Astana to sign agreement establishing EEU|url=http://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/27182/Leaders-of-Kazakhstan-Russia-and-Belarus-to-meet-in-Astana-to-sign-agreement-establishing-EEU|publisher=Lebanese government}} The agreement will give member state citizens access to employment and education across the union. It will also entail collaborative policies in many sectors, including agriculture, energy, technology and transportation. These collaborative policies are particularly interesting for countries in Asia seeking access to energy, trade routes in Central Asia and Siberia, and agricultural goods.

Former president Dmitry Medvedev of Russia stated that both the positive and negative experiences of the European Union will be taken into account and argued that the Eurasian Union will avoid the problems of economic gaps and disparity between countries, such as those found in the eurozone, since the member countries have a comparable level of economic development, as well as common history and values.{{cite news |script-title=ru:Медведев: Евразийский экономический союз избежит проблем еврозоны |url=http://news.mail.ru/politics/7370197/ |work=news.mail.ru |language=ru |date=18 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612165139/http://news.mail.ru/politics/7370197/ |archive-date=12 June 2012 }}

The European Union and the United States as well as other western countries remain critical of the Eurasian Economic Union, with analysts stating that without modernisation and real economic reforms, the union will have little impact. The popular magazine The Economist stated that the advantages of joining the union remain unclear{{cite news|title=Where three is a crowd|newspaper=The Economist|date=30 May 2014|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2014/05/introducing-eurasian-economic-union|access-date=1 June 2014}} and further remarked "The agreement was vague, with technical details left unresolved, making it a political show rather than an economic one".{{cite news|title=Vladimir Putin's European adventures|newspaper=The Economist|date=6 June 2014|url=https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21603483-russian-presidents-strategy-towards-ukraine-and-west-may-not-have-worked-well-he|access-date=7 June 2014}} Outlets have also stated that without Ukraine, the Eurasian Economic Union has lost a key member state necessary to the success of the union. Bloomberg's business magazine, Businessweek has affirmed that joining Putin's Eurasian Union looks like a bad deal, including for Russia. The union "won't really register on the radar of the global economy," said an analyst at the EU's Institute for Security Studies in Paris.{{Cite news|url = http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-05-29/putins-eurasian-union-looks-like-a-bad-deal-even-for-russia|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140530060729/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-05-29/putins-eurasian-union-looks-like-a-bad-deal-even-for-russia|archive-date = 30 May 2014|title = Putin's Eurasian Union Looks Like a Bad Deal, Even for Russia|last = Carol|first = Matlack|date = 29 May 2014}} Moreover, one [https://rsa.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15387216.2017.1360193#aHR0cHM6Ly9yc2EudGFuZGZvbmxpbmUuY29tL2RvaS9wZGYvMTAuMTA4MC8xNTM4NzIxNi4yMDE3LjEzNjAxOTM/bmVlZEFjY2Vzcz10cnVlQEBAMA== research] states that so far EAEU was not able to contribute to economic growth in Armenia – quite the contrary, it significantly slowed the economic performance of the country.

The union is actively seeking to increase trade with East Asia. It commenced talks for official trade cooperation with ASEAN. Officials of both unions discussed opportunities for developing cooperation between them.{{cite news|title=Customs Union could start official trade cooperation with ASEAN – EEC|url=http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=533140|access-date=8 January 2015|publisher=Interfax|date=1 September 2014|archive-date=15 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115001416/http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=533140}}

The South Korean president launched a "Eurasian Initiative", which seeks to connect transportation, electrical, gas and oil links from Western Europe to East Asia.{{cite magazine|last1=Kwon|first1=Yong|title=South Korea's Eurasia Ambitions|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/08/south-koreas-eurasia-ambitions/|access-date=8 January 2015|magazine=The Diplomat|date=20 August 2014}} The initiative echoes China's long-standing "New Silk Road" project.{{cite news|last1=Iglauer|first1=Philip|title=Eastern interest in Eurasian economic deal|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/CEN-01-110614.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612004030/http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/CEN-01-110614.html|url-status=unfit|archive-date=12 June 2014|access-date=8 January 2015|work=Asian Times|date=11 June 2014}}

The members of the union agreed to step up talks with Vietnam on creating a free trade zone, to strengthen cooperation with China, including in information exchange on goods and services, and to set up expert groups to develop preferential trade regimes with Israel and India.{{cite news|last1=Samofalova|first1=Olga|title=Historic agreement makes Eurasian Union a reality|url=http://rbth.com/business/2014/06/02/historic_agreement_makes_eurasian_union_a_reality_37113.html|access-date=4 September 2014|newspaper=Russia Beyond the Headlines|date=2 June 2014}}

File:Russia and China sign major gas deal.jpeg and China signed a $400 billion gas deal. Starting 2019, Russia plans to provide natural gas to China for the next 30 years.]]

The European Council on Foreign Relations and analysts suggest the Eurasian Union includes strategic interests as well as economic interests for its member states, especially Russia. In order to link both Europe and East Asia, Russia seeks to develop its eastern regions to increase its access to Asian markets. Russia's Far East has gained even more importance due to its proximity to alternative markets since the European Union and United States imposed sanctions on Russia following the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war.{{Cite book|isbn= 978-1-910118-03-0|author1=Alexander Gabuev|editor1-last=Liik|editor1-first=Kadri|title=Russia's Pivot to Asia: The development of the Russian Far East|date=May 2014|page=84|url=http://www.ecfr.eu/page/-/ECFR103_RUSSIA_COLLECTION_290514_AW.pdf|access-date=4 September 2014|publisher=European Council on Foreign Relations|location=London |quote=This Asian vector of Russian domestic and foreign policy is now becoming even more important as the European Union and the United States impose sanctions on Russia. The Russian Far East, with its proximity to Asia, could become the new backbone of the Russian economy}}

China's rise as a major trading partner has been cited as a potential reason for Russia's loss of control over Central Asian economies. The union is seen as a way to counterbalance China's growing trade in Central Asia and the European Union's Eastern Partnership.

As the trade bloc seeks to profit from the growing economies of East Asia, Russia has made steps to develop its eastern territories, Siberia and the Russian Far East. However, the development of the Russian Far East may face difficulties due to Russia's traditional orientation towards Europe and the region's backward infrastructure and underdeveloped economy.{{Cite book|isbn= 978-1-910118-03-0|author1=Timofei Bordachev|editor1-last=Liik|editor1-first=Kadri|title=Russia's Pivot to Asia: Eurasian Russia in the twenty-first century|date=May 2014|page=27|url=http://www.ecfr.eu/page/-/ECFR103_RUSSIA_COLLECTION_290514_AW.pdf|access-date=4 September 2014|publisher=European Council on Foreign Relations|location=London |quote=In the first months of 2014 the work of the recently created Ministry for the Development of the Far East was significantly reinvigorated. Some governmental agencies were relocated from Moscow to Vladivostok and some major companies have been advised to follow with their main offices. But Russia's "pivot" is still held back by its backward infrastructure, its corruption, its underdeveloped economy, its demographic problems, and above all its archaic Eurocentric economic thinking.}} In 2012 Russian President Vladimir Putin called for Russia to "catch the Chinese wind in the sails of the Russian economy".{{cite news|last1=Vladimir|first1=Putin|title=Russia and the changing world|url=http://archive.premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/18252/|access-date=2 October 2016|publisher=Prime Minister of the Russian Federation|date=27 February 2012|quote=First of all, I am convinced that China's economic growth is by no means a threat, but a challenge that carries colossal potential for business cooperation – a chance to catch the Chinese wind in the sails of our economy. We should seek to more actively form new cooperative ties, combining the technological and productive capabilities of our two countries and tapping China's potential – judiciously, of course – in order to develop the economy of Siberia and the Russian Far East.}} During the same year, a Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East was established and the country hosted a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) in its eastern city of Vladivostok. The country also began striking deals and undertook massive efforts to improve infrastructure in its eastern territories.

Russia's pivot to Asia included the important task of creating a Eurasian trade bloc. The countries seek to increase their competitiveness by sustaining domestic development and defending their interests in the region.{{Cite book|isbn= 978-1-910118-03-0|author1=Vladislav Inozemtsev|editor1-last=Liik|editor1-first=Kadri|title=Russia's Pivot to Asia: Russia turns east: Eurasian integration, regional development, and the West as East|date=May 2014|page=62|url=http://www.ecfr.eu/page/-/ECFR103_RUSSIA_COLLECTION_290514_AW.pdf|access-date=4 September 2014|publisher=European Council on Foreign Relations|location=London |quote=He said the creation by 2015 of a Eurasian Economic Union was the most important task facing Russia in its "near abroad.}}

An estimated 76% of Russia's exports depend on resources extracted (or manufactured) in Siberia. In order to transport goods from East Asia to Europe, they must be transported through Siberia by rail. Hence, the region plays an important role in trade. However, it remains less developed than Russia's western regions and modernisation plans are ongoing.

In 2013 the Russian government announced it would spend 450 billion roubles (US$14 billion) for the modernisation of the Trans-Siberian and Baikal-Amur railways. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Trans-Siberian railway the country's "strategically vital transport artery". In July 2013 he stated "Rail freight traffic to our Far East ports has increased by 55 percent over the last 5 years and now comes to around 110 million tons a year". Projects to upgrade stations at the border with Mongolia, China and North Korea were also undertaken the same year.{{Cite book|isbn= 978-1-910118-03-0|author1=Alexander Gabuev|editor1-last=Liik|editor1-first=Kadri|title=Russia's Pivot to Asia: The development of the Russian Far East|date=May 2014|page=80|url=http://www.ecfr.eu/page/-/ECFR103_RUSSIA_COLLECTION_290514_AW.pdf|access-date=4 September 2014|publisher=European Council on Foreign Relations|location=London |quote=The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Vladivostok in September 2012 cost the state 680 billion roubles (over $22 billion) – one-third of which came from the federal budget, with the rest put up by state companies such as Gazprom. In 2012 the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East was created and in 2013 long-time Putin ally Yury Trutnev was appointed to oversee the development of the region in the joint role of deputy prime minister and presidential envoy to the region. In 2013 the government also allocated 300 billion roubles ($10 billion)[...]}}

In 2016, Putin calls on Eurasian Economic Union, China, India, Pakistan, Iran and the CIS to join "Greater Eurasian Partnership".{{cite news|title=Plenary session of St Petersburg International Economic Forum|url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/52178|access-date=2019-11-02|publisher=Kremlin|date=17 June 2016}}

Some experts also see the union as a way to curtail the loss of Russian influence in Central Asia.{{cite journal|last1=Yesdauletova|first1=Ardak|last2=Yesdauletov|first2=Aitmukhanbet|title=The Eurasian Union: Dynamics and Difficulties of the Post-Soviet Integration|journal=Trames|date=1 March 2014|issue=1|pages=12–13|url=http://www.kirj.ee/public/trames_pdf/2014/issue_1/Trames-2014-1-3-17.pdf|access-date=4 September 2014|quote=The Single Economic Space, which in the near future will be transformed into the Eurasian Union, has strategic aims as well as economic ones. Marlene Laruelle and Sebastien Peyrouse, both share this opinion about the diminution of Russia's influence on Central Asian countries. However, the Kremlin continues to conduct an active policy aimed at maintaining effective tools to influence the Central Asia region.}} Russian politicians have voiced their concerns over Russia's long southern borders and the challenges it may pose. By creating a regional trade bloc to keep its neighbours in Central Asia stable, Russia hopes to find securing its own borders easier.{{cite book|last1=Trenin|first1=Dmitri V.|last2=Malashenko|first2=Alesksei V.|last3=Lieven|first3=Anatol|title=Russia's Restless Frontier: The Chechnya Factor in Post-Soviet Russia|date=29 February 2004|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|page=120|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Tcab0VXTqnQC&q=southern+borders&pg=PA120|access-date=4 September 2014|chapter=4|isbn=978-0-87003-294-3}}

Neighbouring Kazakhstan has replicated Russia's attempt to access East Asian markets. In September 2013, the presidents of China and Kazakhstan signed commercial deals and launched China's "New Silk Road". On 20 May 2014, both presidents announced they would link Kazakhstan's railways to the Pacific Ocean by opening a new terminal in the Chinese port city of Lianyungang. China also signed agreements to make further investments in Kazakhstan's energy sector. Both countries announced they would put aside US$1 billion to modernise an oil refinery in Shymkent and a further US$150 million to open a new oil and gas plant near Almaty.

The president of Kazakhstan also held talks with the heads of Chinese corporations and agreed to cooperate in the areas of aircraft production, telecommunication and mining.{{cite journal|last1=Ernesto|first1=Gallo|title=Kazakhstan's "Pivot to China"?|journal=Policy Brief|date=4 June 2014|issue=154|url=http://www.isdp.eu/images/stories/isdp-main-pdf/2014-gallo-kazakhstans-pivot-to-china.pdf|access-date=4 September 2014}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

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The Union has signed a first free trade agreement{{cite news|url = http://rbth.com/business/2016/05/12/fta-bodes-well-for-vietnam-eurasian-union-economic-ties-experts_592315|title = FTA bodes well for Vietnam-Eurasian Union economic ties- experts|date = 12 May 2016|access-date = 2016-06-07|newspaper = Russia Beyond the Headlines}} with Vietnam, which is planned to enter into force in October 2016 following the ratification by all the parties.{{Cite web|title = Seminar discusses ways to optimise Vietnam-EAEU FTA|url = http://www.vietnambreakingnews.com/2015/08/seminar-discusses-ways-to-optimise-vietnam-eaeu-fta/|access-date = 2015-10-06|last = vovnews}}{{Cite web|title = Vietnam FTA – Eurasian alliance: wide doors|url = http://www.baomoi.com/FTA-Viet-Nam-lien-minh-A-Au-Cua-rong-nhung-khong-de-vao/c/17004039.epi|access-date = 2015-10-06|last = baomoi.com}}

Having completed a free trade agreement (FTA) feasibility study for Vietnam in November 2012{{cite web|url=http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/business/vietnam-economy/25534/|title=Vietnam to start FTA talks with Customs Union in 2013|access-date=3 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103233300/http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/business/vietnam-economy/25534/|archive-date=3 November 2014}} the then Customs Union, which later became the EAEU, decided to proceed with negotiations. The negotiations over the FTA began in early 2013 and lasted approximately two years – on 29 May 2015 the agreement was signed by Prime Ministers of all the parties to be later ratified by the parties. Trade between Vietnam and the Customs Union in 2011 was US$2.24 billion.{{cite web|url=http://talkvietnam.com/2012/12/vietnam-and-customs-union-eye-stronger-trade-ties/|title=Vietnam and Customs Union eye stronger trade ties|author=qdnd|website=TalkVietnam|access-date=3 November 2014|archive-date=3 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103224226/http://www.talkvietnam.com/2012/12/vietnam-and-customs-union-eye-stronger-trade-ties/|url-status=dead}}

Russia's economic development minister stated that the Turkish economic minister, Nihat Zeybekci, put forward an initiative for closer cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union, including the formation of a free trade zone between the union and Turkey.{{cite web|title=Turkey May Create Free Trade Zone with Eurasian Customs Union – Development Minister|date=19 July 2014 |url=http://en.ria.ru/politics/20140719/191039085/Turkey-May-Create-Free-Trade-Zone-with-Eurasian-Customs-Union-.html|access-date=26 July 2014}}

As announced by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich on 9 December 2013, Israel is considering starting free trade negotiations with the Eurasian Economic Union.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-12/10/c_132954367.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422172257/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-12/10/c_132954367.htm|archive-date=22 April 2014|title=Moscow eyes common free trade zone between Customs Union, Israel|access-date=25 September 2014}} The feasibility study was conducted between the two parties and the decision was made to proceed with free trade negotiations, which are expected to start before the end of 2016. Experts believe the negotiations will take around 2 to 3 years to finish.{{Cite web|url=https://ria.ru/economy/20160926/1477902729.html|title=Израиль начнет переговоры о Зоне свободной торговли с ЕАЭС до конца года|work=РИА Новости |date=26 September 2016 |access-date=2016-09-29}}

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at a July 2014 meeting of ambassadors and permanent representatives of the Russian Federation that he was ready to discuss a free trade area between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union.{{in lang|uk}} [http://www.epravda.com.ua/news/2014/07/1/472475/ Putin spoke of a free trade area between the European Union and the Eurasian Union], Ukrayinska Pravda (1 July 2014)

In February 2015, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced his country would sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Union.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} The preliminary feasibility study has been conducted and the decision to launch negotiation process is expected to be made before the end of 2016.{{Cite news|url=http://kommersant.ru/doc/3076713|title=Решение по созданию зоны свободной торговли между ЕАЭС и Египтом будет принято до конца года|newspaper=Коммерсантъ|access-date=2016-09-29}}

There have been discussions on free trade negotiations with over 30 countries, some of them resulting in the preliminary feasibility studies. Such feasibility studies have been conducted with India and the Republic of Korea.

In May 2015, the Union gave the initial go-ahead to signing a free trade agreement with Iran. Described as the EAEU's "key partner in the Middle East" by Andrey Slepnev, Minister for trade on the Eurasian Economic Commission board in an expert-level EAEU meeting in Yerevan,{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} Viktor Khristenko furthermore noted that Iran is an important partner for all the EAEU member states. He stated that "Cooperation between the EAEU and Iran is an important area of our work in strengthening the economic stability of the region".{{Cite web|url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/246117/Iran-Eurasian-Economic-Union-mull-over-free-trade|title=Iran, Eurasian Economic Union mull over free trade|date=14 April 2015|website=Tehran Times}} In December 2015 a "temporary Agreement" was signed between Iran and the EAEU, which Commissioner Andrey Slepnev characterized as the "first step toward the materialization of free trade between Iran and the Union".{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

One of the key initiatives in the field of free trade and economic cooperation is the proposal on "linking" the Eurasian economic integration and China's strategic "Silk Road Economic Belt" project. The relevant communique was signed by Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping on 8 March 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://kremlin.ru/supplement/4971|title=Совместное заявление Российской Федерации и Китайской Народной Республики о сотрудничестве по сопряжению строительства Евразийского экономического союза и Экономического пояса Шелкового пути|access-date=2016-09-29}} While the "linking" mostly is understood as support for infrastructure investments, there are ongoing negotiations between the EAEU and China on a "trade and economic agreement" in order to build "an open economic architecture without a political component, oriented on business and reducing barriers".{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurasiancommission.org/en/nae/news/Pages/24-08-2016-1.aspx|title=Tigran Sargsyan's visit to Beijing: new impetus to "conjugation" of the EAEU and the SREB|access-date=2016-09-29}}

As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US and EU placed sanctions upon Russia and Belarus.{{cite web|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/central-asia/interview/kazakh-official-we-will-not-risk-being-placed-in-the-same-basket-as-russia/|title=Kazakh official: We will not risk being placed in the same basket as Russia|last=Gotev|first=Georgi|date=29 March 2022|website=Euractiv|access-date=1 April 2022}} On 10 March 2022, Russia suspended exports of wheat, meslin, rye, barley, and corn to the Eurasian Economic Union to secure the country's food supplies.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/russia-suspend-grain-exports-eurasian-economic-union-until-aug-31-2022-03-10/|title=Russia to suspend grain exports to Eurasian Economic Union until Aug 31|date=10 March 2022|website=Reuters|access-date=1 April 2022}} The ban was reversed on 1 April 2022, although other restrictions on the trade of foods were simultaneously introduced.{{cite news|url=https://eurasianet.org/russia-scraps-ban-of-cereals-to-eurasian-union|title=Russia scraps ban of cereals to Eurasian Union|last=Kumenov|first=Almaz|date=1 April 2022|website=Eurasianet|access-date=1 April 2022}} On 29 March a Kazakh government official stated that Kazakhstan would abide by US and EU sanctions and would not facilitate any circumvention, despite its membership of the EAEU. The official explained that Kazakhstan does not wish to be targeted by secondary sanctions, and instead will be seeking to expand its cooperation with the EU.

On 15 December 2023, the EAEU signed a free trade agreement with Iran that will eliminate customs duties on almost 90% of goods. The agreement serves to replace a similar temporary agreement that has been in force since 2019.{{Cite web|url=http://dev-isw.bivings.com/|title=Institute for the Study of War|website=Institute for the Study of War|access-date=23 January 2024|archive-date=25 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325065358/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-24|url-status=dead}}

As of 2023, Negotiations are also well underway with Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. Negotiations with Iran and Egypt are almost finalized. The EEC is also preparing to revise its current agreement with China. The current, non-preferential agreement entered into force in October 2019 and does not provide any reduction in duties.{{Cite web|url=https://www.russia-briefing.com/news/the-eurasian-economic-union-free-trade-agreements-latest-progress.html/|title=The Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreements: Latest Progress|website=Russia Briefing|date=16 March 2023|access-date=26 May 2023}}

File:EAEU Trade Agreements.png

After 1 January 2015, the members of the EAEU do not have the right to independently conclude a free trade in goods agreements because they delegated their powers to the supranational level according to the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (Article 35).

{{cite web | url=https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_163855/9fa1f4a7aeac9e996f0cd388105974c1b849933a/#dst100334 | title=Статья 35. Режим свободной торговли \ КонсультантПлюс }}

According to the website of the Eurasian Economic Commission, the EAEU has signed bilateral (one of the parties is the "Eurasian Economic Union and its Member States") agreements with{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/ | title=The EAEU Trade Agreements }}

• Vietnam{{cite web|title=VN–EEU FTA to come into force since 5 October|date=19 August 2016 |url=http://news.chinhphu.vn/Home/VNEEU-FTA-to-come-into-force-since-October-5/20168/28157.vgp|access-date=4 September 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://wtocenter.vn/other-agreement/vietnam-eurasian-economic-union-fta-full-content|title=Vietnam - Eurasian Economic Union FTA (full content) | WTO and International trade Policies|date=6 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006042130/http://wtocenter.vn/other-agreement/vietnam-eurasian-economic-union-fta-full-content |accessdate=25 February 2024|archive-date=6 October 2015 }} (signed on 29 May 2015, entered into force on 5 October 2016{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/vietnam.php | title=Socialist Republic of Vietnam }} and this Free Trade Agreement & Economic Integration Agreement covers trade in goods and trade in services{{cite web | url=https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx?rtaid=973 | title=WTO | Regional trade agreements }}{{Cite web |title=Вьетнам |url=https://www.economy.gov.ru/material/departments/d11/soglasheniya_o_svobodnoy_torgovle/vetnam/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804121153/https://www.economy.gov.ru/material/departments/d11/soglasheniya_o_svobodnoy_torgovle/vetnam/ |archive-date=Aug 4, 2020}})
• Iran{{Cite web|url=https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/OTQ4OTMyMTAx|title=HKTDC Research|website=research.hktdc.com}} (the Interim Agreement was signed on 17 May 2018, and came into force on 27 October 2019{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/iran.php | title=Islamic Republic of Iran }} and this Free Trade Agreement covers trade in goods.{{cite web | url=https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx?rtaid=1028 | title=WTO | Regional trade agreements }}) Full FTA signed on 25 December 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-backed-union-signs-free-trade-pact-with-iran-2023-12-25/|title=Russian-backed union signs free trade pact with Iran|website=Reuters }}
• China (signed on 17 May 2018, entered into force on 25 October 2019{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/china.php | title=People's Republic of China }} and this Agreement is not a free trade agreement at all since it does not provide any reduction in duties, but it creates a legal framework for trade and economic cooperation between the Union as a whole and China and on issues of customs cooperation, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, trade protection measures, issues of electronic commerce, intellectual property, competition and public procurement, as well as sectoral cooperation and the Parties recognize the importance of economic integration in the Asia-Pacific and Eurasia and the importance of conjunction of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt and Road Initiative{{Cite web |title=Обзор ключевых положений Соглашения о торгово-экономическом сотрудничестве между Евразийским экономическим союзом и его государствами-членами, с одной стороны, и Китайской Народной Республикой, с другой стороны |url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/upload/medialibrary/8c7/Broshyura-KNR.pdf}}{{cite web|url=http://french.xinhuanet.com/2018-05/18/c_137187365.htm|title=La Chine et l'Union économique eurasiatique signent un accord sur la coopération commerciale et économique_French.news.cn|website=french.xinhuanet.com}}{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/china.php | title=People's Republic of China }})
• Serbia{{cite web | url=https://www.b92.net/biz/vesti/svet.php?yyyy=2019&mm=06&dd=06&nav_id=1551457 | title=Sporazum 1. Oktobra: Za Srbiju se otvara tržište od 180 miliona ljudi | date=6 June 2019 }} (signed on 25 October 2019, and entered into force on 10 July 2021{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/serbia.php | title=Republic of Serbia }} and this Free Trade Agreement covers trade in goods{{cite web | url=https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx?rtaid=1149 | title=WTO | Regional trade agreements }})
• Singapore (the EAEU-Singapore Framework Agreement and the EAEU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement were signed on 1 October 2019{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/singapore.php | title=Republic of Singapore }})

Officially, agreements with Egypt, India,{{Cite news|date=24 December 2019|title=Russia hopeful of India's free trade pact with EAEU|language=en|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/russia-hopeful-of-indias-free-trade-pact-with-eaeu/article30384075.ece|access-date=2021-07-09}}[https://ficci.in/spdocument/20978/India-EAEU-FTA-Survey-Report-revised.pdf India EAEU FTA Survey Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126072416/https://ficci.in/spdocument/20978/India-EAEU-FTA-Survey-Report-revised.pdf |date=26 January 2022 }} Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). Accessed on 9 July 2021. Indonesia, Israel,{{Cite news|date=24 December 2019|title=Israel And EAEU Edge Closer To A Free Trade Agreement|language=en|work=russia-briefing|url=https://www.russia-briefing.com/news/israel-and-eaeu-edge-closer-to-a-free-trade-agreement.html/|access-date=2023-05-27}} Mongolia and the UAE are under development. A potential free trade agreement between Mongolia and the EAEU is under discussion, but its future remains subject to domestic political and economic considerations.{{Cite web |url=https://www.mongoliaweekly.org/post/mongolia-s-trade-with-russia-led-eaeu-faces-headwinds |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.mongoliaweekly.org |title=Mongolia's Trade with Russia-led EAEU Faces Headwinds |date=20 December 2024 }}

{{main|List of bilateral free trade agreements|Commonwealth of Independent States Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area|Commonwealth of Independent States Free Trade Area}}

File:CIS_Countries.PNG signatories (all 12 countries). As of 2023, multilateral free trade regime under the 1999 Protocol has entered into force for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine while Russia and Turkmenistan refused to participate.{{cite web | url=https://cis.minsk.by/reestrv2/doc/884#documentCard | title=Единый реестр правовых актов и других документов Содружества Независимых Государств }}]]

File:CISFTA (orthographic projection).svg among Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan]]

Although the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union have delegated their powers to conclude free trade in goods agreements to the supranational level according to the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (Article 35), the previous agreements with third countries concluded before 1 January 2015 continue to be in force (Article 102).{{cite web | url=https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_163855/5612d6c0484a8192696030fd3f4c32dd293c3bb8/#dst101124 | title=Статья 102. Переходные положения в отношении раздела IX \ КонсультантПлюс }} According to the Article 102: "Member States have the right to unilaterally grant preferences in trade with a third party on the basis of an international agreement concluded by 1 January 2015 of this Member State with such a third party or an international agreement to which all Member States are parties." Thus, agreements such as those within the Commonwealth of Independent States (the terms of the CIS FTA allow member states to enter into the FTA agreements with other countries, as well as to join/create custom unions{{Cite web |last=Aleksashenko |first=Sergei |date=March 7, 2014 |title=For Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia Free Trade with Europe and Russia Is Possible |url=https://carnegiemoscow.org/commentary/56074 |access-date= |website=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace}}) and bilateral agreements that do not regulate relations with third countries remain in force for their parties.

The 1994 CIS FTA Agreement, 1999 CIS FTA Protocol (multilateral free trade is in force among 10 countries) and 2011 CIS FTA Treaty (multilateral free trade is in force among 9 countries) have signed by all members of the EAEU. The multilateral free trade regime under the 1999 Protocol is not applied by Russia at all. As of 2023, the Protocol has entered into force for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine and 1 reservation was made by Azerbaijan on non-application in relation to Armenia and 2 specific opinions were expressed by Georgia and Ukraine.

2011 Commonwealth of Independent States Free Trade Area was negotiated before the establishment of the EEU on 1 January 2015. The CISFTA treaty came into force at different dates for every state. The treaty came into force in Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia at different dates between September and December 2012. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan applied the treaty starting 13 December 2013. In force since 2012, the 2011 multilateral CIS Free Trade Zone Treaty establishes a free trade area between Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia (now all EAEU member states), as well as Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Moldova and Tajikistan. Russia has suspended the Agreement with respect to Ukraine from 1 January 2016, following the provisional application of the DCFTA between the European Union and Ukraine.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurasianbusinessbriefing.com/russia-suspends-fta-with-ukraine/|website=Eurasian Business Briefing|title=Russia suspends FTA with Ukraine as EU agreement looms|date=17 December 2015|access-date=24 December 2015|archive-date=25 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225080953/http://www.eurasianbusinessbriefing.com/russia-suspends-fta-with-ukraine/|url-status=dead}} Ukraine did the same thing on 2 January with regard to Russia.

Thus, in addition to all previous multilateral agreements, the following agreements apply on a bilateral basis according to the article 102. Bilateral free trade agreements with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Serbia and Montenegro{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=643&relation=I&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }} as well as "zero tariffs" agreements with Abkhaziahttps://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/international_contracts/international_contracts/2_contract/44614/https://yutu.customs.gov.ru/news/document/40830 and South Ossetiahttps://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/international_contracts/international_contracts/2_contract/44657/ are in force in Russia. Bilateral free trade agreement with Turkmenistan is in force in Belarus.{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=112&relation=I&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }} Bilateral free trade agreement with Turkmenistan is in force in Armenia.{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=051&relation=I&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }} Bilateral free trade agreement with Serbia is in force in Kazakhstan.{{cite web | url=https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx?rtaid=1248 | title=WTO | Regional trade agreements }}

File:Russia stamp 2019 № 2526.jpg

The members of the EAEU may conclude an agreement on investment and trade in services without the consent of EAEU supranational bodies, since these powers have not been transferred to a supranational level, however according to the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (Article 35), an international treaty of the EAEU with a third party establishing a free trade regime may include other provisions related to foreign trade activities (i.e. Cooperation, Trade in Services and Investment). All Members of the Union retains autonomy (i.e., national competence) in matters of concluding agreements on free trade in services and investments. The process of concluding such agreements with third countries is carried out independently of the partners in the Union. The only condition prescribed in the Treaty on the EAEU is the obligation to provide to the Member States of the EAEU the same concessions, which are granted to the partner (partners) under that agreement (Article 38 of the Treaty and section 6 of Annex No. 16 to the Treaty).{{Cite web |title=Agreements on free trade in goods |url=https://economy.gov.by/en/aftingoods-en/ |website=Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus}}

The 2015 EAEU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement & Economic Integration Agreement covers trade in goods and trade in services.

The Armenia–EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement was signed by Armenia and all EU member states on 24 November 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/treaties-agreements/agreement/?id=2017024|title=Agreement - Consilium|accessdate=25 February 2024}} The World Trade Organization classifies this agreement as an agreement on trade in services.{{cite web | url=https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx?rtaid=849 | title=WTO | Regional trade agreements }}

Russia has concluded 82 agreements on mutual protection of investments and investment promotion, including agreements with Cambodia, Iran, Morocco and the State of Palestine, which were signed after 1 January 2015. 65 agreements have entered into force.{{Cite web |title=Перечень соглашений между Правительством Российской Федерации и правительствами иностранных государств о поощрении и взаимной защите капиталовложений |url=https://economy.gov.ru/material/departments/d11/investicionnye_soglasheniya/perechen_soglasheniy_mezhdu_pravitelstvom_rf_i_pravitelstvami_inostrannyh_gosudarstv_o_pooshchrenii_i_vzaimnoy_zashchite_kapitalovlozheniy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526192630/https://economy.gov.ru/material/departments/d11/investicionnye_soglasheniya/perechen_soglasheniy_mezhdu_pravitelstvom_rf_i_pravitelstvami_inostrannyh_gosudarstv_o_pooshchrenii_i_vzaimnoy_zashchite_kapitalovlozheniy/ |archive-date=26 May 2021 }}

On 8 June 2023, in Sochi, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan signed the Commonwealth of Independent States Agreement on Free Trade in Services, Establishment, Operations and Investment to partly integrate Uzbekistan and Tajikistan on the common standards of the WTO (General Agreement on Trade in Services) and the EAEU even without their membership in the WTO (Uzbekistan) or the EAEU (Uzbekistan and Tajikistan).{{cite web | url=https://cis.minsk.by/reestrv2/doc/6738#documentCard | title=Единый реестр правовых актов и других документов Содружества Независимых Государств }} Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have not decided to join the EAEU, but bringing country's legislation to the EAEU common standards can be considered as the first step.

The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Moscow said that the UAE is striving for a free trade agreement by the end of 2023 with the EAEU to include provisions on trade in services and investment.{{Cite web|url=https://news.ru/world/oae-rasschityvayut-do-konca-goda-dogovoritsya-o-svobodnoj-torgovle-s-eaes/|title=ОАЭ рассчитывают до конца года договориться о свободной торговле с ЕАЭС - NEWS.ru — 13.06.23|accessdate=25 February 2024}}

On 22 August 2024, Belarus and China signed an agreement on trade in services and investment. Belarus is the first EAEU country with which China has concluded such an agreement.{{cite web | url=https://www.sb.by/articles/belarus-i-kitay-podpisali-soglashenie-o-torgovle-uslugami-i-osushchestvlenii-investitsiy.html | title=Беларусь и Китай подписали соглашение о торговле услугами и осуществлении инвестиций | date=22 August 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://belta.by/society/view/belarus-i-kitaj-podpisali-soglashenie-o-torgovle-uslugami-i-osuschestvlenii-investitsij-656061-2024/ | title=Беларусь и Китай подписали соглашение о торговле услугами и осуществлении инвестиций | date=22 August 2024 }}

The EAEU has the Common System of Tariff Preferences for approved goods from 29 developing and 48 least-developed countries.{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/tariff_preferences.php | title=Regulatory and legal framework }} As of 5 March 2021, they are Algeria, Bolivia, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Ghana, Honduras, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Iran, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Kenya, Republic of the Congo, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Morocco, the Marshall Islands, Federal States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Tunisia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Eswatini on the 1 list and Angola, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Bhutan, Haiti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Djibouti, Zambia, Yemen, Cambodia, Kiribati, Union of the Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Mauritania, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Republic of the Niger, Palestine(according to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 43/177), Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Syrian Arab Republic, Solomon Islands, Federal Republic of Somalia, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togolese Republic, Tuvalu, Uganda, Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan on the 2nd list.{{Cite web |date=Mar 5, 2011 |title=DEVELOPING BENEFICIARY COUNTRIES of the Eurasian Economic Union's Common System of Tariff Preferences |url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/upload/medialibrary/780/List-of-Developing-Countries-and-Least_developed-beneficiary-countries-_-_GSP_.pdf}}

The system of tariff preferences is aimed at promoting the economic growth of countries that objectively need economic assistance from the Union. In 2021, a decision was published to exclude 75 developing countries and 2 least developed countries from the lists, but at the same time, the status of the beneficiary country of the common system of tariff preferences of the EAEU is preserved for states in need of economic assistance from the EAEU.{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/news/eaes-sovershenstvuet-edinuyu-sistemu-tarifnyh-preferentsij/ | title=ЕАЭС совершенствует единую систему тарифных преференций }} The first list of countries was approved in 2009 and did not change dramatically until 2021. As of May 2020, there were 153 countries in it, including Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, China and South Korea. The list was revised in 2021 so that there would be no injustice when lower-income countries provide tariff preferences to high-income countries. A country can obtain for tariff preferences if its income level is determined by the World Bank as "low-income" or "lower-middle-income", that is, the gross national income per capita in such a country is less than $4,045.{{cite web | url=https://www.rbc.ru/politics/05/03/2021/603e0f409a7947421ef8242b | title=ЕАЭС отказался от тарифных преференций для 76 стран | date=5 March 2021 }} The import duties applicable to products eligible for tariff preferences and originating from developing countries were at the level of 75% of the Most favoured nation duty rates and from least-developed countries at the level of 0%.{{cite web | url=https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news11_e/acc_rus_10nov11_e.htm | title=WTO | 2011 News items – Working Party seals the deal on Russia's membership negotiations }}

At the same time, the members of the Union themselves are recipients of tariff preferences. Kyrgyzstan was granted preferences from Canada, the United Kingdom, the EU, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States.{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=417&relation=E&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }} Armenia was granted preferences from Canada, the EU, Japan, Norway, Switzerland and the United States.{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=051&relation=E&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }} Belarus was granted preferences from Japan, Norway and Switzerland.{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=112&relation=E&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }} Kazakhstan was granted preferences from Japan, Norway, Switzerland and the United States.{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=398&relation=E&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }} In 2013, the World Bank announced that Russia had graduated to a high-income economy based on the results of 2012{{cite web | url=https://blogs.worldbank.org/opendata/new-country-classifications | title=New Country Classifications | date=2 July 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-and-lending-groups|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702131322/http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-and-lending-groups|archive-date=2014-07-02|title=Country and Lending Groups|publisher=World Bank|access-date=1 July 2013}}{{cite web | url=https://www.iep.ru/en/world-bank-updates-its-country-classification-by-gni-per-capita.html | title=World Bank updates its country classification by GNI per capita }} but in 2016 it was reclassified as an upper-middle income economy{{cite web | url=https://blogs.worldbank.org/opendata/new-country-classifications-2016 | title=New country classifications by income level: 2016–2017 | date=July 2016 }}{{cite web | url=https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups | title=World Bank Country and Lending Groups – World Bank Data Help Desk }} due to changes in the exchange rate of the Russian ruble, which is a floating currency. As a result of the World Bank's designation of a high-income economy, Barack Obama issued a proclamation: "I have determined that Russia is sufficiently advanced in economic development and improved in trade competitiveness that it is appropriate to terminate the designation of Russia as a beneficiary developing country effective October 3, 2014."{{cite web | url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/05/07/message-congress-respect-russia-s-status-under-generalized-system-prefer | title=Message to the Congress -- with respect to Russia's status under the Generalized System of Preferences | date=7 May 2014 | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=4 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104155043/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/05/07/message-congress-respect-russia-s-status-under-generalized-system-prefer | url-status=live }} U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicated that Russia formally graduated from the GSP program on 4 October 2014.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbp.gov/trade/trade-community/outreach-programs/trade-agreements/special-trade-programs/gsp/gsp-renewal | title=Renewal of the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) | U.S. Customs and Border Protection | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=4 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104155044/https://www.cbp.gov/trade/trade-community/outreach-programs/trade-agreements/special-trade-programs/gsp/gsp-renewal | url-status=live }} Thus, Russia does not have these preferences.{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=643&relation=E&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }} In 2024, the World Bank again reclassified Russia as a high-income economy based on 2023 results.{{Cite web |title=World Bank Country and Lending Groups – World Bank Data Help Desk |url=https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=datahelpdesk.worldbank.org}}

International cooperation and interaction with third countries, other integration associations and international organizations{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dep_razv_integr/mezhdunarodnoe-sotrudnichestvo/ | title=International cooperation }} can happen under legal framework for international cooperation, including the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, Procedure for the EAEU International Cooperation, Main Directions of the EAEU International Activities, Regulation on the Procedure for Admission of New Members to the EAEU and Termination of Membership in the EAEU, Regulation on the Observer State Status at the EAEU and Strategic Directions for Developing the Eurasian Economic Integration.{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dep_razv_integr/mezhdunarodnoe-sotrudnichestvo/npa.php | title=Regulatory legal framework for international cooperation }}

According to the commission's website, over the years memoranda, events and statements have been adopted with third countries and international organizations, including the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, Ministry of Foreign Trade of the Republic of Ecuador, International Trade Center, MERCOSUR, and OECD.{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/memorandymi/default.php | title=Memoranda with third countries and international organizations }}{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/comission/department/dotp/memorandumy.php | title=Меморандумы с третьими странами и международными организациями }}{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/comission/department/dotp/mezhdunarodnye-organizatsii.php | title=Взаимодействие с международными организациями }}

The commission's website has published information and news on international cooperation (documents, memoranda, visits, summits, events, conferences, negotiations with officials, representatives and ambassadors, etc.) {{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dep_razv_integr/mezhdunarodnoe-sotrudnichestvo/napravleniya/ | title=Directions of international cooperation }} with dozens states (namely Austria, Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Guatemala, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Iran, Spain, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Kenya, China, Colombia, Cuba, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Morocco, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, New Zealand, UAE, Peru, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, USA, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Faroe Islands, Philippines, France, Czechia, Chile, Ethiopia{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/comission/department/dep_razv_integr/mezhdunarodnoe-sotrudnichestvo/napravleniya/gosudarstva/index.php | title=Государства }}) and dozens regional associations and international organizations (Andean Community, ASEAN, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, BRICS, African Union, East African Community, Dialogue on Cooperation in Asia, European Union, Latin American Economic System (SELA), MERCOSUR, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Subsystem for economic integration in Central America, CICA, CIS, Union State of Russia and Belarus, Pacific Alliance, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Economic Community of Central African States (ESCA), ECOSOC, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, UNCTAD{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/comission/department/dep_razv_integr/mezhdunarodnoe-sotrudnichestvo/napravleniya/org/index.php | title=Региональные объединения и международные организации }}). According to the commission's website, for the purpose of forming favorable conditions for the development of interaction with the EAEU and as the first step to institutionalize cooperation, it has become a practice in the EEC to conclude memoranda of cooperation (third countries, regional integration associations and international organizations). Broad cooperation in the format of memoranda of cooperation is established with the governments of Bangladesh, Jordan, Indonesia, Cambodia, Cuba, Morocco, Moldova, Mongolia, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, the Faroe Islands and Chile, as well as with the Andean Community, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the African Union, the Pacific Alliance, the Latin American Economic System (SELA) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). The EEC interacts with the Government of Greece in the format of a joint declaration.{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dep_razv_integr/mezhdunarodnoe-sotrudnichestvo/memorandumy.php | title=Memoranda of cooperation (Third countries, regional integration associations and international organizations) }}

There are various formats of interaction between third states and the Eurasian Economic Union. One of the simplest formats is obtaining the observer status at the Union. The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, the highest supranational body of the Eurasian Economic Union, granted observer state status to the Republic of Moldova, the Republic of Cuba and the Republic of Uzbekistan.{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dep_razv_integr/mezhdunarodnoe-sotrudnichestvo/o-statuse-gosudarstva-nablyudatelya.php | title=Observer state status at the EAEU }}

The Eurasian Economic Union mainly uses its arms industry,[http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/toplist.php Top List TIV Tables-SIPRI] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214003447/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/toplist.php |date=14 February 2013 }}. Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 2012-05-09. raw materials,Richard M. Levine and Glenn J. Wallace. [http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/country/2005/myb3-2005-am-aj-bo-gg-kz-kg-md-rs-ti-tx-up-uz.pdf "The Mineral Industries of the Commonwealth of Independent States"]. 2005 Minerals Yearbook. U.S. Geological Survey (December 2007). This article incorporates text from this U.S. government source, which is in the public domain.{{cite web|title=Countries and regions: Russia|url=http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/russia/|publisher=European Commission|access-date=27 August 2014}} gas and oil reserves,{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} and railways{{cite web|title=Kazakhstan plans to become a logistics hub between Asia and Europe|url=http://www.railwaypro.com/wp/?p=14076|publisher=Railway Pro|access-date=27 August 2014|date=21 January 2014}}{{cite web|title=Strategy of Russian Railways|url=http://eng.rzd.ru/statice/public/en?STRUCTURE_ID=7|publisher=Russian Railways|access-date=27 August 2014}} as its key assets for trade with foreign countries.

Although Russia is the only member of the Eurasian Economic Union under sanctions from the West, other members of the Eurasian Economic Union have repeatedly used the bloc as a platform to articulate their opposition to sanctions and trade wars.{{Cite book |last=Korolev |first=Alexander S. |url= |title=China and Eurasian Powers in a Multipolar World Order 2.0: Security, Diplomacy, Economy and Cyberspace |date=2023 |publisher=Routledge |others=Mher Sahakyan |isbn=978-1-003-35258-7 |edition= |location=New York |chapter=Political and Economic Security in Multipolar Eurasia |oclc=1353290533}}{{Rp|page=16}}

The Eurasian Economic Union must negotiate as a whole to sign free trade agreements with other countries. Key players for the Eurasian Economic Union are the European Union, Turkey, Iran, China and the Korean peninsula. The EAEU has sought to increase its trade with partners in the Middle East and East Asia in order to profit from the growing trade between Europe and Asia.

Because of disagreements with the Eurasian Economic Union's largest member, Russia, the European Union does not officially recognize the Eurasian Economic Union.{{Rp|page=19}} Tensions with the European Union in 2014 have led both unions to pressure post-Soviet states to join their integration unions. Both sides have accused each other of carving spheres of influence.{{Cite news|url = http://www.cfr.org/europe/european-unions-eastern-partnership/p32577|title = The European Union's Eastern Partnership|last = Jeanne|first = Park|date = 14 March 2014|access-date = 19 August 2014|publisher = Council on Foreign Relations|archive-date = 8 September 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140908065300/http://www.cfr.org/europe/european-unions-eastern-partnership/p32577|url-status = dead}}{{cite news|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/lavrov-has-harsh-words-for-eu/494681.html|title = Lavrov Has Harsh Words for EU|last = Bodner|first = Matthew|date = 17 February 2014|access-date = 19 August 2014|newspaper = The Moscow Times}} Members of the union, especially Russia have tried to diversify their trade by signing economic agreements with China,{{Cite news|url = https://www.cnbc.com/2014/05/27/what-russia-china-relations-mean-for-the-dollar.html|title = What Russia-China relations mean for the dollar|last = Clinch|first = Matt|date = 27 May 2014|access-date = 19 August 2014}} Iran{{cite news|url = http://qz.com/166851/why-russia-would-buy-500000-barrels-of-iranian-oil-a-day-and-undermine-the-nuclear-negotiations/|title = Why Russia might be crazy enough to buy Iranian oil and undermine nuclear talks|last = LeVine|first = Steve|date = 14 January 2014|access-date = 19 August 2014|work = QUARTZ}} and Turkey.{{Cite news|url = http://www.ibtimes.com/eu-looks-alternatives-russian-gas-turkey-vacillates-between-east-west-1584836|title = As EU Looks For Alternatives To Russian Gas, Turkey Vacillates Between East And West|last = Kotsev|first = Victor|date = 19 May 2014|access-date = 19 August 2014|publisher = IBTIMES|newspaper = International Business Times}} Trade with North and South Korea has also risen.{{cite web|title=President of Russian Railways attends opening of transshipment terminal in North Korean port Rajin|date=23 July 2014 |url=http://en.portnews.ru/news/184086/|access-date=7 August 2014}}{{cite web|last1=Kirk|first1=Donald|title=S. Korean Dream Line: Rail Link Via N. Korean Eco Zone To Russia|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/donaldkirk/2014/03/06/s-koreas-dream-line-rail-link-through-russia-via-n-korea-zone/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310204145/http://www.forbes.com/sites/donaldkirk/2014/03/06/s-koreas-dream-line-rail-link-through-russia-via-n-korea-zone/|archive-date=10 March 2014|website=Forbes|access-date=7 August 2014}}{{cite web|title=Russia–Korean Visa Exemption Program to Stimulate Bilateral Trade by 40%|date=30 July 2014 |url=http://koreabizwire.com/russia-korean-visa-exemption-program-to-stimulate-bilateral-trade-by-40-study/15773|access-date=7 August 2014}}

A rising China has been increasingly interested in Central Asia and the Eurasian Economic Union.{{cite magazine|url = https://thediplomat.com/2014/06/how-significant-is-the-eurasian-economic-union/|title = How Significant Is the Eurasian Economic Union?|date = 4 June 2014|access-date = 19 August 2014|magazine = The Diplomat|last = Casey|first = Michel}} Analysts see the union as a potential way China could facilitate its investments in the region.{{cite web|title=Why China is unfazed by Russia's creation of a Eurasian Union|url=http://www.worldreview.info/content/why-china-unfazed-russia-s-creation-eurasian-union|publisher=World Review|access-date=27 August 2014|date=17 July 2014|archive-date=10 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010220725/http://www.worldreview.info/content/why-china-unfazed-russia-s-creation-eurasian-union|url-status=dead}} Historically, China held close economic ties with many countries throughout Eurasia. Under the Han Dynasty, its trade routes extended to the Roman Empire. The Economy of the Han Dynasty and other subsequent dynasties exchanged numerous goods with countries throughout Europe and Asia. Both China and the union have stated they would benefit from recreating trade routes modelled on the historic Silk Road.{{cite web|title=China's 'New Silk Road' Vision Revealed|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/05/chinas-new-silk-road-vision-revealed/|access-date=7 August 2014}}

Railways transport goods from China to the European Union through Kazakhstan and Russia. The country has pushed for the construction of more railway lines to connect Berlin to east China to reduce shipping time. It proposed major high-speed railway lines going towards Europe via Russia and Kazakhstan and another through the Middle East via Tajikistan, a potential future member for the union.{{cite web|title=China Establishing New Silk Roads|date=8 July 2014 |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/china-establishing-new-silk-roads/1953455.html|access-date=7 August 2014}}{{cite web|title=China considers high-speed 'silk railroad' to Europe|date=7 August 2014|url=http://www.nce.co.uk/china-considers-high-speed-silk-railroad-to-europe/8667079.article|access-date=7 August 2014}} China has signed numerous energy deals with Russia and Kazakhstan, as it tries to move from coal to less pollutant alternatives.{{cite magazine|url = https://thediplomat.com/2014/07/central-asias-energy-rush/|title = Central Asia's Energy Rush: The region's major powers are in a tussle to control its rich energy sources|last = Romanowski|first = Michał|date = 3 July 2014|access-date = 30 August 2014|magazine = The Diplomat}}{{cite news|url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-kazakhstan-china-deals-idUKBRE98608520130907|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170130032214/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-kazakhstan-china-deals-idUKBRE98608520130907|url-status = dead|archive-date = 30 January 2017|title = China, Kazakhstan to ink deals worth $30 billion on Saturday|last = Zhumatov|first = Shamil|date = 7 September 2013|access-date = 30 August 2014|work = Reuters|location = Astana, Kazakhstan}}

Iran has sought to diversify its economy as well, seeing the EAEU and China as key economic partners. Relations between Russia and Iran have increased as both countries are under U.S. sanctions and are seeking new trade partners. in 2014 the two countries signed a historic US$20 billion energy deal.{{cite web|title=Vladimir Putin signs historic $20bn oil deal with Iran to bypass Western sanctions|date=6 August 2014 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/11014604/Vladimir-Putin-signs-historic-20bn-oil-deal-with-Iran-to-bypass-Western-sanctions.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/11014604/Vladimir-Putin-signs-historic-20bn-oil-deal-with-Iran-to-bypass-Western-sanctions.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=7 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|title=Russia and Iran strike oil agreement|website=CNBC|date=6 August 2014|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2014/08/06/russia-and-iran-strike-oil-for-food-agreement.html|access-date=7 August 2014}} A free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union came into force on 27 October 2019.{{Cite web|url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/441768/Trade-agreement-with-EAEU-officially-declared-to-Iranian-customs|title=Trade agreement with EAEU officially declared to Iranian customs|date=2019-11-08|website=Tehran Times|language=en|access-date=2019-12-26}}

Kazakhstan seeks to enhance its ties with Turkey, a key player in the region. In July 2014, Turkey announced closer economic ties with the EAEU, including a possible free trade agreement in the near future.{{cite web|title=Turkey Proposes Free Trade Zone with Eurasian Union|date=21 July 2014 |url=http://asbarez.com/125154/turkey-proposes-free-trade-zone-with-eurasian-union/|access-date=7 August 2014}}

File:Dmitry Medvedev 2 November 2008-3.jpg, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan hold peace talks in Moscow on 2 November 2008.]]

In September 2013, Armenia announced its intentions of joining the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. At the time of joining the Union, the Republic of Armenia already had preferential treatment within the framework of the CIS as a party to the Free Trade Zone Agreement of 18 October 2011, and therefore enjoyed significant tariff benefits. According to an IMF representative in Armenia, Armenia's membership to the Eurasian Economic Union resulted in about $250 million a year in customs revenue. Armenia also benefited in the form of secured privileges for 752 products until 2020, which implies no EAEU tariffs due to Union membership.{{cite web |url=http://greater-europe.org/archives/5454 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001225929/http://greater-europe.org/archives/5454 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=1 October 2018 |title=Why Armenia Chose the Eurasian Economic Union |website=greater-europe|access-date=12 May 2019}} Joining the Union allowed the country to get even more tangible economic effects due to the functioning of the Common Economic Space, the use of common technical regulation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, non-tariff regulation. Such results confirm that for the implementation of full-scale freedom of movement of goods, liberalization of tariff regulation alone is not enough.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/67852 |title=Giorgi Lomsadze: Will Karabakh "Join" Russia's Customs Union? |website=EurasiaNet.org |access-date=10 December 2013}} The region of Nagorno-Karabakh, however, is disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Tensions rose further in the Caucasus region on 30 July 2014 due to clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers.{{cite web|title=Armenia Blames Azerbaijan for Deadly Incident|url=http://www.radiofree.org/us/armenia-blames-azerbaijan-for-deadly-incident/|access-date=7 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024065455/http://www.radiofree.org/us/armenia-blames-azerbaijan-for-deadly-incident/|archive-date=24 October 2014}}

Experts estimate that with the accession of Armenia, the internationally unrecognised Nagorno-Karabakh Republic would not be integrated into the Eurasian Union. Armenia is a permanent political, military and economic ally of Russia, whereas Azerbaijan holds close ties with Armenia's long-standing enemy Turkey. The Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev expressed concern in 2013 that no reliable customs border between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh could be drawn. However, Nazarbayev expressed that he holds all the existing disagreements preventing Armenia's integration into Eurasian Economic Union are surmountable.{{cite web|url=http://eng.belta.by/politics/view/kazakhstan-views-disagreements-on-eurasian-economic-union-as-resolvable-3675-2014/|title=Kazakhstan views disagreements on Eurasian Economic Union as resolvable |website=BelTA |date=29 April 2014 |access-date=29 April 2014}} The Chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee in the Armenian Parliament, Artak Zakarian, announced on 14 May 2014 that Armenia will not build any customs borders, including with the region of Nagorno-Karabakh.{{cite web |url=http://asbarez.com/123001/armenia-rules-out-tariffs-on-karabakh |title=Armenia Rules Out Tariffs on Karabakh |website=Asbarez |date=14 May 2014 |access-date=14 May 2014}}

According to Eurasian Economic Commission statistics, Eurasian Economic Union countries experienced a 1.9% GDP increase between January–June 2018, compared to the same period in 2017. Armenia had the greatest GDP growth index throughout the reporting period – 8.3%. The EEU's industrial output increased by 3.3%, with reprocessing industry increasing by 62.7% and mining increasing by 27.9%. Again, Armenia had the largest growth in industrial production – 9.6% – despite a 12.7% fall in mining.{{Cite web |title=Armenia leads EEU countries on level of economic growth – official EEC data |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/956452.html |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=armenpress.am |date=30 November 2018 |language=en}}

Previously, Tajikistan was on track to become a potential member of the union, having signed the treaty on the Eurasian Customs Union and the Single Economic Space. However, due to border disputes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the integration process in Tajikistan has stalled.{{cite news|url = https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21608806-plan-export-electricity-looks-cursed-mi-casa-no-es-tu-casa|title = A plan to export electricity looks cursed|date = 26 July 2014|access-date = 26 August 2014|newspaper = The Economist}} Both countries exchanged fire in December 2013 and August 2014, which resulted in casualties.{{Cite news|url = http://en.itar-tass.com/world/746643|title = Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan border guards engage in shootout again|date = 26 August 2014|access-date = 26 August 2014|publisher = Itar Tass}}{{cite news|url = https://news.yahoo.com/two-killed-border-skirmish-between-tajikistan-kyrgyzstan-113727690.html|title = Two killed in border skirmish between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan|access-date = 26 August 2014|agency = Reuters}} Both countries have since announced they would resolve conflicts and improve border cooperation. Officials hope to make significant progress by the end of 2015.{{cite news|title=Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan improve border co-operation "Central Asia Online"|url=http://www.eng.24.kg/bigtiraj/173808-news24.html|access-date=8 January 2015|publisher=24.kg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128115338/http://www.eng.24.kg/bigtiraj/173808-news24.html|archive-date=28 January 2015}}{{cite news|title=Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan Turn To Soviet Archives in Border Talks|url=http://www.indiagazette.com/index.php/sid/229157427|access-date=8 January 2015|work=India Gazette|date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128114501/http://www.indiagazette.com/index.php/sid/229157427|archive-date=28 January 2015}} In March 2020, Uzbekistan announced that it wished to become a Eurasian Union observer state.

Former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso stated at the World Economic Forum that the EU supports the regional integration, including the Eurasian Union. He also praised Kazakhstan for joining the bloc. He criticized the post-Soviet space, saying "the integration in the region is not sufficient". However, he warned that the Russo-Ukrainian War is a major obstacle to good cooperation between the EU and the Eurasian Union.{{cite web|title=World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2015|url=http://www.weforum.org/sessions/summary/regions-transformation-eurasia|publisher=World Economic Forum|access-date=25 January 2015|date=22 January 2015}}{{cite web|title=Davos 2015 – Regions in Transformation: Euroasia|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wb409Nlhlw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/9Wb409Nlhlw |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|website=youtube.com| date=22 January 2015 |publisher=World Economic Forum|access-date=25 January 2015}}{{cbignore}}

Tensions between the EAEU and the European Union (EU) occurred as both have sought to deepen their ties with several former Soviet republics. The EU has signed free trade agreements with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. However, separatists in all three countries back closer ties with Russia. Ukraine planned to sign an EU association agreement in 2013, but abruptly cancelled the signing under Russian pressure to join the EAEU. This led to mass protests against Ukraine's president,[http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/war-in-ukraine-a-result-of-misunderstandings-between-europe-and-russia-a-1004706.html Summit of Failure: How the EU Lost Russia over Ukraine]. Der Spiegel. 2014-11-24. with the EU supporting a failed political settlement before president Yanukovych fled to Russia,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/28/viktor-yanukovych-russia-ukraine-coup|title=Viktor Yanukovych urges Russia to act over Ukrainian 'bandit coup'|author=Shaun Walker|website=the Guardian|date=28 February 2014|access-date=4 June 2015}} and Russia then annexing the Crimean peninsula (following a disputed referendum) and supporting separatists in Eastern Ukraine.{{cite news|title=Guide to the EU deals with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine|work=BBC News|date=27 June 2014|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28038725|access-date=7 August 2014}}{{cite web|title=Lithuania ratifies Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova agreements with EU|date=9 July 2014|url=http://dfwatch.net/lithuania-ratifies-ukraine-georgia-moldova-agreements-with-eu-61065|access-date=7 August 2014}} In response, some member states of the European Union have sought to find alternatives to Russian gas, while others have voiced their support for the construction of the South Stream pipeline which circumvents Ukraine. Later the already started construction of the pipeline, under US sanctions on Russia and pressure on EU, the project was abandoned. Analysts believe Russia backs the Eurasian Economic Union in order to limit western influence in the region.{{cite news|url = https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21608807-not-all-goes-smoothly-russia-its-backyard-power-failure|title = Power failure – Not all goes smoothly for Russia in its backyard|date = 26 July 2014|access-date = 26 August 2014|newspaper = The Economist}}

Western analysts generally see the Eurasian Economic Union as a way to reunite many of the former Soviet republics. For example, Washington Post author Abigail Hauslohner wrote the treaty was intended "to further bolster [Russia]'s ties to former Soviet republics."{{cite news|title=Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus form Eurasian Economic Union|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=29 May 2014|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russia-kazakhstan-belarus-form-eurasian-economic-union/2014/05/29/de4a2c15-cb01-4c25-9bd6-7d5ac9e466fd_story.html|access-date=1 June 2014}} The United States expressed its opposition to the Eurasian Union, claiming it is "an attempt" to re-establish a USSR-type union among the former Soviet republics. In December 2012, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton claimed "It's not going to be called that [Soviet Union]. It's going to be called customs union, it will be called the Eurasian Union and all of that, but let's make no mistake about it. We know what the goal is and we are trying to figure out effective ways to slow down or prevent it".[http://bigstory.ap.org/article/clinton-fears-efforts-re-sovietize-europe Clinton fears efforts to 're-Sovietize' in Europe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307132319/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/clinton-fears-efforts-re-sovietize-europe |date=7 March 2014 }} – Associated Press, 6 December 2012

Kazakhstan's president Nursultan Nazarbayev called it "a hard-won achievement" and "a blessing for our people." Public support in Kazakhstan for the country's accession to the EAEU stood at 68% in June 2014, with 5.5% opposed.[http://www.demos.kz/rus/index.php?article=28 Большинство казахстанцев поддерживают вступление Казахстана в Евразийский экономический союз, но 33% считают, что это не принесет им никакой выгоды] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310211730/http://demos.kz/rus/index.php?article=28 |date=10 March 2016 }}. Demoscope. 2014-06-14.

Thailand, Iran, New Zealand, Tunisia,{{cite web|url=http://itar-tass.com/en/economy/771189|title=Tunisia hopes to set up free trade zone with Customs Union, EEU|publisher=ITAR-TASS|date=14 January 2015|access-date=14 January 2015}} Turkey, and Vietnam are among the countries that expressed a desire to conclude trade agreements with the new Eurasian Economic Union after the treaty was signed.{{cite news|title=Putin's answer to EU – Eurasian Union|author=Vladimir Radyuhin|work=The Hindu|date=29 May 2014|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/putins-answer-to-eu-eurasian-union/article6062067.ece|access-date=1 June 2014}} In 2018, the Faroe Islands signed a new memorandum of understanding with the EEU. The MoU is designed to boost trade and cooperation between the two sides.{{cite news|title=Russian fish money keeping Faroes out of EU sanctions|author=Martin Breum|work=euobserver|date=14 September 2018|url=https://euobserver.com/foreign/142847|access-date=8 June 2020}}

{{Supranational PostSoviet Bodies|size=400px|align=right}}

The Eurasian Customs Union has already brought partial economic integration between the three states, and the Eurasian Economic Union is said to be a continuation of this customs union. However, the impact or legacy of that agreement is unclear{{cite SSRN |ssrn=2414597|title=Russia and Regional Trade Integration in a Historical Perspective: A Response to William E. Butler|date=2015|author=Boris N. Mamlyuk}} – trade between the three states actually fell 13% during the agreement's first year.

A number of other regional organisations also provide the basis for further integration: the Union State of Russia and Belarus; the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, consisting of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan; and the Commonwealth of Independent States comprising most of the post-Soviet countries.{{cite web |last1=Brusis|first1=Martin|title=A Eurasian European Union? Relaunching Post-Soviet Economic Integration |website=European Consortium for Political Research |url=http://www.ecpr.eu/Filestore/PaperProposal/1f692ccb-986b-4c38-92c0-c0a0aa55edad.pdf |url-access=subscription |pages=8, 13}}{{cite news|title=Russia–Belarus Union State most advanced post-Soviet integration bloc – Lukashenko|url=http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/754950|access-date=6 January 2015|publisher=Tass}}{{cite news|title=CSTO states plan to set up collective air force|url=http://itar-tass.com/en/world/768382|access-date=6 January 2015|publisher=Tass}}

{{multiple image |align=right |image1=Strusta Lake - Panorama.jpg |width1=300 |caption1=Strusta Lake in the Vitebsk Region, Belarus, is the sixteenth largest lake in Belarus and the third largest among the Braslau Lakes. |width2=190 |caption2=The Khan Tengri Peak above North Engilchek Glacier, Kazakhstan |image2=Vue globale du versant N du khan Tengri.jpg}}

The Eurasian Economic Union is located at the eastern end of Europe, bounded by the Arctic in the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east and East Asia, the Middle East and part of Central Asia to the south. It lies between latitudes 39° and 82°N and longitudes 19°E and 169°W. The union extends across much of northern Eurasia. Its member states cover an area of over 20,000,000 square kilometers, which is approximately 15% of the world's land surface.{{cite web|title=General Information|url=http://eaeunion.org/#about-info|publisher=Eurasian Economic Union|access-date=7 January 2015}}

The Eastern European Plain encompasses Belarus and most of European Russia. The plain is mostly mountain-free and comprises several plateaus. Russia's northernmost regions are tundra. The Russian Tundra is located on the coastline with the Arctic and is known for its total darkness in the winter. Taiga reaches Russia's southern borders in Siberia and accounts for 60% of the country.{{cite web|title=Geography of Russia|url=http://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/evans/his241/notes/geography/geography.html|publisher=Northern Virginia Community College|access-date=7 January 2015}} Towards the Ural Mountains and in northern Kazakhstan, the climate is mostly temperate. Southwestern Russia and Kazakhstan are mostly steppe. The Kazakh steppe covers one-third of Kazakhstan and is the world's largest dry steppe region.{{cite web|title=Kazakhstan, Republic of Kazakhstan " City Info " Geography|url=http://www.kazakhstan.com/v/geography/|website=kazakhstan.com|access-date=7 January 2015}} Armenia is mostly mountainous and its climate is continental. The landlocked country shares no direct border with other members states. It is located in the southwestern part of Asia, occupying the northeastern part of the Armenian plateau, and is located between the Caucasus and the Near East.{{cite web|title=Geographic Characteristics of the Republic of Armenia|website=Marzes of the Republic of Armenia in Figures, 2002–2006|url=http://www.armstat.am/file/article/marz_07_e_2.pdf|publisher=National Statistical Service of The Republic of Armenia|access-date=15 January 2016|page=6|date=2007|quote="Republic of Armenia is situated in south-western part of Asia. The country occupies the north-eastern part of Armenian plateau – between Caucasus and Nearest Asia"}}

A large number of lakes and rivers are found in the Eurasian Economic Union.{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belarus/|title=Belarus – Geography|access-date=7 November 2007|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|year=2007|website=The World Factbook}} Major lakes include Ladoga and Onega, two of the largest lakes in Europe. The largest and most prominent of the union's bodies of fresh water is Lake Baikal, the world's deepest, purest, oldest and most capacious fresh water lake.{{cite web|title=Lake Baikal—A Touchstone for Global Change and Rift Studies|publisher=United States Geological Survey|url=http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/baikal/}} The Baikal lake alone contains over one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water. Russia is second only to Brazil in volume of the total renewable water resources. Of the union's numerous rivers,{{cite encyclopedia|title=Angara River|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|year=2007|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/24432/Angara-River|access-date=26 December 2007}} the Volga is the most famous, not only because it is the longest in Europe, but also because of its major role in history. In Siberia the Ob, Yenisey, Lena and Amur are among the longest rivers in the world.

The Eurasian Economic Union's highest peak is the Khan Tengri in the Tian Shan mountains, Kazakhstan, 7,010 m above sea level. The lowest point in the Eurasian Economic Union is the Karagiye Depression in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's Caspian shore includes some of the lowest elevations on Earth. According to a 2005 estimate by the United Nations, forests cover 40% of Belarus. 11,000 lakes and many water streams are found in the country.{{cite web|title=Belarus|url=http://fatbirder.com/links_geo/europe/belarus.html|website=Fatbirder|access-date=7 January 2015}} Russia is known for its extensive mineral and energy resources, the largest reserves in the world, making it the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas.{{cite web|title=BP Statistical Review of World Energy June 2014|url=http://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp/pdf/Energy-economics/statistical-review-2014/BP-statistical-review-of-world-energy-2014-full-report.pdf|website=BP Global|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-date=9 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609095748/https://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp/pdf/Energy-economics/statistical-review-2014/BP-statistical-review-of-world-energy-2014-full-report.pdf}}

According to estimates, the Eurasian Economic Union's population of 176 million people is mostly urbanized, with Russia and Belarus having over 70% of their population living in urban areas. In Armenia over 64% of the population lives in urban areas. Kazakhstan's urban population comprises 54% of the country's total population.{{cite web|title=About Belarus|url=http://un.by/en/aboutbelarus/population/|publisher=United Nations|access-date=8 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017223223/http://un.by/en/aboutbelarus/population/|archive-date=17 October 2007}}

File:Эльбрус с перевала Гумбаши.JPG|Mount Elbrus – Russia

File:The Armenian plateau near Mount Masis.jpg|Mountain range – Armenia

File:Lama River, Moscow region, Russia – 1.jpg|Lama River – in the Moscow region of Russia

File:Charin.jpg|Sharyn Canyon – Kazakhstan

File:Bringing the sheep home, on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul (3968109583).jpg|On the southern shore of Issyk-Kul lake, Issyk-Kul Region – Kyrgyzstan

File:Фото путешествия по Беларуси 353.jpg| Winter – Belarus

File:Aragats mountain, Aragatsotn, Armenia.jpg|A view of Mount Aragats from Aragatsotn – Armenia

File:Munku-Sardyk.jpg|A view of Mount Mönkh Saridag – Okinsky District, Russia

File:Ayghr lake.jpg|Lake Ayger – Armenia

File:Lake Servech.jpg|Lake Servech – Belarus

File:Касмалинский ленточный бор 2005 год. (Алтайский край. Россия).jpg| Winter in the Altai Krai – Russia

File:Karakol Valley.jpg|Tian Shan mountain range – Kyrgyzstan

The combined population of all member states is 185,332,000 as of 2024.

{{Largest urban centers of the Eurasian Union}}

File:Countries with population larger than Eurasian Economic Union.jpg

The Eurasian Economic Union has 22 cities with more than 1 million inhabitants, the largest being Moscow. The most densely populated areas are the capital cities of member states and European Russia. Siberia is the region with the least inhabitants. In Russia about 160 different ethnic groups and indigenous peoples live within the country's borders.[http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/rus_nac_02.php Ethnic groups in Russia] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622084055/http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/rus_nac_02.php |date=22 June 2011 }}, 2002 census, Demoscope Weekly. Retrieved 5 February 2009. Kazakhstan and Belarus are home to sizable ethnic Russian minorities.

Though the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union's populations are comparatively large, its density is low because of the enormous size of Russia and Kazakhstan.

The Eurasian Economic Union's average birth rate in 2010 was roughly 12.5 births per 1000 people, higher than the European Union, which has an average of 9.90 births per 1000 people.

{{div col}}

• ASEAN
• Collective Security Treaty Organization
• Comecon
• Community for Democracy and Rights of Nations
• Enlargement of the Eurasian Economic Union
• Eurasian Economic Community
• Eurasian Patent Convention
• Eurasian Patent Organisation
• Eurasianism
• Soviet Union
• New Union Treaty
• Union State
• Warsaw Pact
• List of multilateral free-trade agreements

{{div col end}}

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Journal articles and studies

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Online sources

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{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.eaeunion.org/?lang=en Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)]
• [http://eec.eaeunion.org/en/ Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC)]
• [https://docs.eaeunion.org/en-us/ Legal portal of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)]

{{Eurasian Economic Union}}

{{Eurasian Integration}}

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{{International power|state=collapsed}}

{{Trade|state=collapsed}}

{{Regional organisations|state=collapsed}}

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