Today, Moscow hosts the summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), with Russian President Vladimir Putin's participation marking his first international engagement since commencing his fifth presidential term. This summit holds significance on multiple fronts. Occurring on the heels of Putin's inauguration, it symbolizes a pivotal moment as leaders from the former Soviet Union gather in Moscow, nearly eight decades after jointly defeating fascism, with plans to attend the Victory Day parade together on May 9.
In attendance are not only EAEU members—Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan—but also partners in the Commonwealth of Independent States. A traditional dinner for CIS delegation heads is scheduled for this evening, with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who arrived in Russia on May 7, among the guests.
This EAEU meeting marks its tenth anniversary since the signing of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union in Astana on May 29, 2014.
Past and future of EAEU
In 2024, Yerevan will hold the presidency of the Eurasian Economic Union and will take on relevant functions during the summit. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will represent Armenia, while Presidents Alexander Lukashenko, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Sadyr Zhaparov will represent Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, respectively. Leaders will review the Union's ten-year performance, discuss its evolution into a credible and effective international association, and explore avenues for deeper integration.
The agenda includes the launch of negotiations on a trade agreement with Mongolia and the approval of a draft protocol on electronic information exchange between the EAEU and Vietnam. The establishment of a medal commemorating "10 Years of the Eurasian Economic Union" is also anticipated. Additionally, Yerevan, as the chair, will propose the venue and date for the next EAEU summit, a decision to be discussed during the meeting.
Bilateral contacts
Some bilateral contacts are already scheduled. Putin plans to hold separate talks with Pashinyan. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov noted that this dialogue will be highly informative, as the two countries have "many issues to discuss." "Recently, problematic issues have come up in relations between Russia and Armenia, which we expect will be candidly discussed between the leaders," the diplomat pointed out.
He highlighted Pashinyan's remarks that relations between Moscow and Yerevan are not at their best. "Recently, contacts between our countries at various levels have noticeably decreased. Criticisms are voiced towards both Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization," the Kremlin spokesman explained.
Ushakov reminded that although Yerevan has not yet left the CSTO, it has de facto frozen its participation: it does not participate in joint exercises and plans to refrain from financing them. "Meanwhile, Armenia is demonstratively engaging in dialogue with the West, including exploring various options for joining the European Union, while intensifying NATO ties. In other words, there are numerous issues that need to be discussed between the leaders," the Russian presidential aide stated. The Kremlin expects that the talks will allow them "to clarify many details."
Other bilateral contacts are also possible. For instance, Lukashenko expects to discuss joint coordination and the use of troops, including the use of special munitions of tactical nuclear weapons, with Putin today.
EAEU achievements
As noted by the Kremlin, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has achieved "quite significant results" over its 10 years of existence. The union's GDP has grown from $1.6 trillion to $2.5 trillion, while the volume of mutual trade has nearly doubled to $80.5 billion, and trade with third countries has increased by 60%.
Moreover, the external debt of the union has decreased by 15%, and the portfolio of accumulated mutual direct investments has reached $17.7 billion. Positive trends in 2024 include growth in industrial production, agricultural output, and retail trade turnover.
Formed on the foundation of the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space, the EAEU has been operational since January 1, 2015. The association has inked trade agreements with Vietnam, Iran, Singapore, Serbia, and two agreements with China. Consultations are currently underway regarding trade liberalization with Egypt, Indonesia, the UAE, and negotiations are being prepared for with India.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS