The meetings of the heads of government from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are set to take place in Moscow on December 12–13. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is participating in the events, according to a statement from the Russian government.
Mishustin is expected to discuss the development of mutual trade within the CIS, particularly in light of Western sanctions. His meeting with EAEU leaders will center on deepening economic integration among member states.
In addition to trade and economic cooperation, the CIS Heads of Government Council will address cultural and humanitarian collaboration. One of the key topics on the agenda is the approval of a priority action plan for humanitarian cooperation among CIS member states for 2025–2026.
The plan, crafted with consideration of significant upcoming anniversaries in the Commonwealth, includes 2025 as the Year of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Year of Peace and Unity Against Nazism, as well as 2026 as the Year of Health Protection.
The plan encompasses 172 initiatives across 10 thematic areas, including education, science, culture, information and mass communication, publishing, sports, healthy living, tourism, and youth engagement. It also includes provisions for organizing thematic years within the CIS.
Key Documents for the CIS
CIS leaders are also expected to sign several key documents. Among them is a memorandum on cooperation in the digital transformation of the transport sector. This memorandum aims to establish conditions for institutional and infrastructural reforms to build a digital transport system across the CIS, utilizing modern digital platforms and solutions.
Another significant agreement to be signed is on the development of civil shipbuilding and the production of ship components within the CIS. This document aims to promote modernization and align with national strategic industry programs.
Additionally, an agreement will be signed for training personnel for penal and correctional systems. This includes the education of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as specialized training programs for scientific and academic staff.
EAEU Agenda
The session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council will also focus on economic integration. The leaders will exchange views on proposed changes to the regulations for selecting joint cooperative projects in industrial sectors and the provision of financial support for their implementation.
According to materials from the Russian government, the participants will prioritize energy cooperation and the creation of favorable conditions for developing e-commerce within the EAEU.
The Intergovernmental Council, comprising the prime ministers of EAEU member states (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia), is responsible for implementing decisions of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and monitoring compliance with the EAEU Treaty, signed on May 29, 2014, in Astana. The council also carries out other duties outlined in the treaty and related international agreements.
This meeting will mark the 41st session of the council since the EAEU’s establishment and the fourth this year. The previous session was held in October 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia, which holds the chairmanship of all EAEU bodies this year.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on TASS materials