23.04.2019

In this article we will talk about the history of the EAEU: what were the reasons and prerequisites for its emergence, from which integration associations it was formed, and what are its main goals and objectives today.

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Prerequisites

The need to create some kind of integration economic association in the post-Soviet space arose immediately as soon as this space became post-Soviet. During the existence of the USSR, the economies of the union republics were highly interdependent. In many production cycles, it was absolutely normal for part A to be made in one union republic, part B to be made in another, and their final assembly was carried out in a third.

Naturally, during the Soviet era there were no problems with the movement of goods and people across the borders of the republics. But after the collapse of the Union, it became obvious that political sovereignty and strict customs control at the border are, of course, good, but they are not very conducive to the development of foreign trade and, as a result, economic growth.

Moreover, an extremely clear illustration of these thoughts was the formation of the European Union in the second half of the twentieth century. That is, independent European states have long realized the need for economic integration and have been systematically moving towards it for many years.

Therefore, despite the popular trend of political independence in the early 90s, on the contrary, integration sentiments reigned in the economy. For the first time, Nursultan Nazarbayev voiced the idea that was in the air and used the term “Eurasian Union” during his first official visit to the Russian Federation in 1994:

There is an urgent need for a transition to high-quality new level relations between our countries on the basis of a new interstate association formed on the principles of voluntariness and equality. The Eurasian Union could become such an association. It should be built on principles other than the CIS, because the basis of the new association should be supranational bodies designed to solve two key tasks: the formation of a common economic space and ensuring a joint defense policy.

Also one of the important factors is the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. This event set the information agenda for discussions on Eurasian integration for the next few years, identifying accession to the WTO as a Big Goal towards which every self-respecting national economy should move.

In this sense, regional economic integration with its closest neighbors was considered as an intermediate stage towards accession to the WTO. The fact is that a country candidate for accession to the WTO was obliged to have a certain legislative framework and developed instruments of customs and economic control. This was also necessary for regional integration. Accordingly, one of the goals of Eurasian economic integration was the development of national laws and the above-mentioned instruments, bringing them to the level required for accession to the WTO.

Chronology of events

1994-2000 - period of formation

At this time, a search was underway for optimal ways of cooperation and interim treaties and agreements were signed, not yet describing the forms of integration themselves, but only mutual obligations to develop and implement these forms.

1994

Nursultan Nazarbayev first spoke in Moscow with a proposal to create a Eurasian Union.

1995

January 6 Russia and Belarus conclude Agreement on the creation of the Customs Union and the formation of a common market. On January 20, Kazakhstan joined this agreement. This can be considered the starting point in the creation of a modern EAEU.

1996

March 29 Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan sign Treaty on Deepening Integration in the Economic and Humanitarian Fields. In essence, with this agreement, the countries publicly and officially confirmed their intentions for integration, but so far without much specificity in the wording, mechanisms and formats.

1999

February 26 Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan sign Agreement on the Customs Union (CU). With this agreement they, in fact, establish the Customs Union. However, in this composition the union will last only a year and a half.

2000-2011 - Common Economic Space

Despite the fact that the single customs space had already been implemented, the heads of the participating countries expressed a desire for deeper, already economic integration. I wanted not just “common borders,” but a “common economy.”

2000

October 10 Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan sign Treaty establishing the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), in which elements of supranational economic regulation can already be traced. The first supranational body appears - the Court of the Eurasian Economic Community.

2001

On May 30, this agreement comes into force. From this moment on, the Customs Union described above ceases to exist as such, but all its provisions and principles are inherited by the EurAsEC.

2003

September 19 Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan signedAgreement on the formation of the Common Economic Space. From this moment, work began on preparing a legal framework with the aim of creating a single economic space that ensures the free movement of goods, services, capital and labor (the “four freedoms” of the EAEU).

2007

On October 6, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan signed Agreement on the creation of a single customs territory and the formation of the Customs Union on the basis of the EurAsEC. Another supranational body appears - the Customs Union Commission and the Supreme Economic Council. This is already the same Customs Union, in which, after 5 years, many technical regulations will appear.

2010

The Customs Union begins work in January.

In July, a unified Customs Code was introduced for the Union member states.

On December 9, in the Declaration on the Formation of the Common Economic Space, it was officially announced for the first time that the member countries of the EurAsEC were moving towards a new, more in-depth form of integration - the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In this regard, among other things, the need for a unified system of technical regulation and the introduction of fundamentally new supranational standards (technical regulations) was outlined.

2011

Since July, customs control remains only at the external borders of the Union.

It was signed on November 18 Decision on the creation of the Eurasian Economic Commission.

August 16th were published first technical regulations: TR TS 006/2011 “On safety pyrotechnic products"(came into force on February 15, 2012) and TR CU 005/2011 "On packaging safety" (came into force on June 1, 2012).

In total, 24 technical regulations were approved and published during 2011. All of them came into force in the period 2012-2015. The entry into force of technical regulations for certain products automatically canceled the national standard for these products.

2012-2019 - Eurasian Economic Union

This is the period of formation of the single economic integration association that exists today - the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). At this time, transitional forms were abandoned and supranational institutions developed.

The EAEU is already positioned as the “core of continental integration”, uniting Asia and Europe. Its concept is being developed taking into account the logic of the global Chinese project “One Belt and One Road”, aimed at creating fast and efficient trade routes between Europe and Asia. However, it is important to emphasize that it is not “in accordance”, but “taking into account”.

At the same time, overseas people are starting to say that Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus are building new USSR. To which the leaders of the participating countries have repeatedly stated that the EAEU is not a political union, but exclusively an economic one. The President of Kazakhstan actually proposed a radical way to nip these conversations in the bud, quote: “[When I travel abroad, I often hear] that we are creating the USSR, or something under Russia. Maybe Turkey, a big country, will accept it, and the conversation will end.”.

2012

On February 2, the Eurasian Economic Commission began to function. The Customs Union Commission was abolished, its functions transferred to the EEC.

October 19 to the Customs Union (in which this moment were Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus) Kyrgyzstan joined.

were signed on November 18 Declaration on Eurasian Economic Integration(essentially, a road map for the creation of the EAEU) and Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Commission(official recognition by the heads of state of the EEC as a supranational body).

2014

On May 29 of the year in Astana (now Nur-Sultan) it was signed Treaty on the Establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union. Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan ratified this treaty on October 5, 9 and 14, respectively.

October 10 signed signed Treaty on Armenia's accession to the EAEU, ratified by Armenia on December 4.

2015

On May 21, Kyrgyzstan ratified the Treaty of Accession to the EAEU and became its official member in August.

2016

2017

On April 14, Moldova became the first (and still remains the only) observer country in the EAEU.

2018

On January 1, the Customs EAEU code, thereby repealing the previous Customs Code of the Customs Union. Now all countries joining the EAEU automatically join the EAEU Customs Union.

Don't get confused by "unions"!

The use of the phrase “Customs Union” as a proper noun was initially not the most best idea, because a customs union [of several states] is a common noun phrase. There are more than 10 customs unions in the world today.

Therefore, from a morphological point of view it would be correct to say thatthere are two Unions:

Firstly, Eurasian Economic Union(EAEU) , which is a unique form of unification of several states,

Secondly, Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU CU), which is one of many customs unions in the world. And a country that joins the EAEU automatically also becomes a member of the EAEU CU.

EAEU today

Today, the EAEU includes five countries: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.

Moldova is an observer country.

Free trade agreements have been concluded with Vietnam, Iran, China, and Cuba.

Negotiations are underway to create a free trade regime with Singapore, India, Egypt, Thailand, Israel and Serbia.

There are 4 supranational bodies in the EAEU:

Supreme Eurasian Economic Council- the supreme body, which includes the heads of the EAEU member countries. Meetings of the Supreme Council are held annually.

Eurasian Intergovernmental Economic Council- a body that includes heads of government (prime ministers) of the EAEU member countries. Council meetings are also held annually.

Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC)- a regularly operating regulatory body whose tasks include the direct functioning of the Union, the development of integration and supranational institutions and instruments. Consists of the Commission Council and the Commission Board.

Court of the Eurasian Economic Union- a judicial body that solves the problems of law enforcement practice of the supranational legislation of the EAEU.

Today in the EAEU, and their number is growing every year.

TR CU or TR EAEU?

Separately, it is worth clarifying the issue of the name of technical regulations.

At the moment, there are two types of technical regulations in force in the EAEU: technical regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU) and technical regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union (TR EAEU).

These are absolutely identical documents that have equal legal force and scope. The difference between them is solely in the name.

If you pay attention, until 2014 inclusive, the technical regulations of the Customs Union were published (the latest was the technical regulations for tobacco products), and after 2015, when the EAEU already officially existed, the technical regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union began to be published. And in the future, only EAEU TR will now appear, but the CU TR will continue to operate without renaming.

Obstacles in the internal market of the EAEU

White Paper on Customs Barriers

The report “Barriers, exemptions and restrictions of the Eurasian Economic Union” reflects the results of the Union’s work to remove obstacles to trade, remaining obstacles, current trade volumes between EAEU members, and conceptual apparatus. Each trade participant can contribute to the White Paper and make a single economic space It’s better to use the “Register of Obstacles” resource.

Terminology of obstacles within the EAEU (developed by the EEC jointly with the member states)

Barriers are obstacles to the free movement of goods, services, capital, labor within the functioning of the internal market of the Union that do not comply with the law of the Union.

Exemptions - exceptions (derogations) provided for by the law of the Union on non-application by a Member State general rules functioning of the internal market of the Union.

Restrictions - obstacles to the free movement of goods, services, capital, labor within the framework of the functioning of the internal market of the Union, arising due to the lack of legal regulation economic relations?, the development of which is provided for by the law of the Union.

As of the end of 2016, what are the obstacles in the agreed list? The White Paper contains 60 obstacles: seizure? - 17, restrictions? - 34, barriers - 9.

Figure 1 shows the general relationship between different types of obstacles in the EAEU. Figure 2 shows the number of different types of obstacles used by each Member State.

Obstacle Register

The information resource “Functioning of the internal markets of the Eurasian Economic Union” is an opportunity to draw up an appeal about a potential obstacle to the functioning of the single internal market of the EAEU member states, in which it is necessary to outline the situation that has arisen for you or your organization.

This Internet portal was created with the aim of creating a register of violations and subsequent work with them within the EEC. The portal was created to obtain information “from below,” that is, directly from entrepreneurs who have encountered unlawful obstacles in the EAEU markets when carrying out activities. Anyone can contact the EEC with a statement about an obstacle that arose due to a violation of Union law by an EAEU member country. On the Internet portal you can also view the register of violations and the work of the EEC to eliminate them.

Unified customs tariff

The Unified Customs Tariff of the Eurasian Economic Union (UCT EAEU) is a set of rates of import customs duties applied to goods imported (imported) into the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union from third countries, systematized in accordance with the unified Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activity of the Eurasian Economic Union (TN VED ). The EAEU ETT was approved by Decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission dated July 16, 2012 No. 54.

Within the framework of the ETT, there is the possibility of providing tariff benefits, the conditions and mechanism for application of which are indicated in Appendix 6 to the Treaty on the EAEU. Tariff benefits are provided for goods imported into the territory of the Union and represent an exemption from paying import customs duties.

Participants in foreign trade activities should also pay attention to the fact that, in accordance with Article 36 of the Treaty on the EAEU, for goods imported from developing and least developed countries, import customs duty rates of 75% of the CCT rates are applied. List of goods originating and imported from developing and least developed countries, the import of which is granted tariff preferences (soon to become invalid). The new list of such goods was determined by the Decision of the EEC Council (comes into force on August 28, 2017).

The Treaty on the EAEU also establishes the rules for determining the volume of quotas for agricultural goods. Such rules determine the maximum volume of agricultural products of a certain type allowed for import into the territory of the EAEU. Quota is provided for different groups goods and contributes to the development of import substitution. The volume of quotas is determined by the EEC Board every year.

Technical regulations

Technical Regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union is a document adopted by the Eurasian Economic Commission and establishing requirements for objects of technical regulation that are mandatory for application and execution on the territory of the Union.

Technical regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union are adopted to ensure the implementation of priority interests in the field of security.

In order to protect human life and (or) health, property, the environment, life and (or) health of animals and plants, to prevent actions that mislead consumers, as well as to ensure energy efficiency and resource conservation within the EAEU, technical regulations of the Union are adopted .

Products for which the EAEU technical regulations have been adopted are put into circulation within the Union, provided that they have passed the necessary conformity assessment procedures established by the EAEU technical regulations. The EAEU member countries ensure the circulation of products that meet the requirements of the EAEU technical regulations on their territory without imposing additional requirements for such products and without conducting additional conformity assessment procedures. Products that have passed conformity assessment procedures are marked.

From the date of entry into force of technical regulations for a certain type of product in the territories of the Parties, the corresponding mandatory requirements established by national legislation are not applied. Thus, obtaining documents confirming compliance with the technical regulations of the EAEU makes it possible for products to circulate freely on the territory of the Union.

Confirmation of product compliance with technical regulations is carried out in the form of declaration of conformity or certification. The use of one of these forms depends on the degree of risk of harm from the use of the product. There are several conformity assessment (confirmation) schemes: 6 declaration schemes and 9 certification schemes. The diagram illustrates the application of different forms of compliance depending on the risk. More detailed instructions on the application of declaration / certification schemes, as well as all necessary documentation can be found in the presentation on the EEC website.


List of areas in which EAEU technical regulations are applied:

    Pyrotechnic products;

    Individual protection means;

    Package;

    Products intended for children and adolescents;

  • Perfume and cosmetic products;

    Light industry products;

    Automotive and aviation gasoline, diesel and marine fuel, jet fuel and fuel oil;

    Low voltage equipment;

    Cars and equipment;

  • Equipment for work in explosive environments;

    Appliances operating on gaseous fuel;

    Electromagnetic technical means;

  • Food products;

    Juice products from fruits and vegetables;

    Oil and fat products;

    Specialized food products, including dietary therapeutic and preventive nutrition;

    Food additives, flavorings and processing aids;

    Small vessels;

    Equipment operating under excess pressure;

    Lubricants, oils and special fluids;

    Milk and dairy products;

    Meat and meat products;

    Furniture products;

    Explosives and products based on them;

    Railway rolling stock;

    High-speed rail transport;

    Railway transport infrastructure;

    Wheeled vehicles;

    Car roads;

    Agricultural and forestry tractors and trailers for them;

    Tobacco products.

Unified sign of circulation of goods of the EAEU

Marking with a single circulation mark, in accordance with the Treaty on the EAEU, is one of the measures to develop exports.

In accordance with the Decision of the Customs Union Commission dated July 15, 2011 No. 711 “On the unified circulation mark of products on the market of the Eurasian Economic Union and the procedure for its application,” manufacturers, persons authorized by the manufacturer, importers (suppliers) of products have the right to mark them with a single circulation mark if the product has passed all conformity assessment procedures established by the relevant technical regulations of the EAEU on the territory of any of its member states, which is confirmed by the relevant documents.

A single circulation mark is applied in accordance with the following rules: The image must be one color and contrast with the color of the surface on which it is applied; The place where a single circulation mark is applied to products, containers (packaging) and documentation is established in the technical regulations of the Customs Union.

Special requirements are imposed on the labeling of medicinal products for medical use and veterinary medicinal products in accordance with the Decision of the EEC Council of November 3, 2016 No. 76. There are also special requirements for the labeling of fur products in connection with the implementation in 2015 - 2016 of a pilot project to introduce the labeling of goods with control (identification) marks for the product item “Clothing items, clothing accessories and other products made from natural fur” dated September 8, 2015 of the year.

Products that have passed all tests and comply with the requirements of the technical regulations of the EAEU (list in section ) must be marked with a single sign of product circulation on the Union market (Eurasian Conformity, EAC):

Labeling of products made from natural fur

Labeling of fur products is mandatory for all participants in the circulation of goods: manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers, commission agents and other participants in the fur market.

List of goods subject to mandatory labeling:

    Mink garments;

    Mink garments;

    Items of clothing made from nutria;

    Items of clothing made from arctic fox or fox;

    Items of clothing made from rabbit or hare;

    Raccoon clothing items;

    Sheepskin garments;

    Other items of clothing.

Sequence of actions when marking fur products:

    Registration in the Labeling Information Resource using an electronic signature;

    Product description in your Personal Account;

    Submitting an application for the production of control (identification) marks (KiZ);

    Payment for the production of the KiZ (the cost of a sewn-in KiZ is up to 15 rubles, the cost of an adhesive KiZ is up to 15 rubles, the cost of an invoice (mounted) KiZ is up to 22 rubles);

    Receiving key information from the issuer;

    Product labeling;

    Recording the fact of marking in your Personal Account Information resource markings.

Regional trade agreements

Foreign trade participants should pay attention to the fact that when concluding RTAs with other countries, the EAEU has the competence to create free trade zones with other countries, but only in relation to goods. Thus, the EAEU countries decide on a case-by-case basis whether to include issues of trade in services or not. This procedure hinders the development of the Union, preventing the conclusion of deep agreements, since today in world trade the share of trade in services is constantly growing, and the lack of competence of the EAEU in this matter makes agreements with the Union not competitive in relation to other countries. A significant gap in the EAEU policy should also be recognized as the Union’s lack of competence to conclude investment agreements with third countries.

However, the EAEU already has one. Currently, the EAEU is at the stage of negotiations and preparations for concluding regional trade agreements (RTAs) with some countries (Iran, Egypt, Singapore, China).

Free trade zone with Vietnam

The EAEU-Vietnam agreement on the creation of a free trade area (FTA) was signed on May 29, 2015 (came into force on October 5, 2016).

In the agreement we're talking about first of all, on the mutual abolition of trade duties on goods (does not apply to services). According to the document, the abolition of import customs duties by the Vietnamese side does not cover only 12% of the product range, for most of which the Union countries have no export interest.

According to the agreement, Vietnam opens the market for many goods of export interest to the countries of the Union:

    agricultural sector: beef, pork and poultry, processed meat products, canned fish, seeds, flour, dairy products, cheese, vegetable oil, animal feed, alcoholic beverages;

    industrial sector: gemstones, tires, asbestos, pipes, rolled steel, ships, mechanical equipment, electronic equipment, automobile parts, steel products, agricultural machinery, buses, cars, trucks, petroleum products.

According to the EEC, the groups of goods that are most exported from Russia to Vietnam (as of 2016) are:

    Mineral products;

    Base metals and products made from them;

    Chemical industry products;

    Machinery, equipment, transport;

    Plastics and rubber;

    Prepared food products.

According to the Vietnam Customs Service in 2017, the top 10 imported goods include the following groups:

    Machines, equipment, machine tools, tools;

    Computers, electronics, spare parts and other components;

    Textiles, leather, materials for footwear production, auxiliary materials;

    Phones, Cell phones, Components;

    Iron and steel;

  • Petroleum products;

    Other base metals;

    Plastic products;

    Chemical products.

Russian exporters should pay attention to what goods are most needed in Vietnam and what niche can be filled. For example, in Vietnam there is a high demand for materials for the production of clothing and footwear, which are currently not the main export item from Russia to Vietnam.

Every year the world moves further along the path of globalization and integration. Ties within economic and political unions are becoming stronger, and new interstate associations are emerging. One of such organizations is the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Let's learn more about the work of this regional association.

The essence of the EAEU

What is the Eurasian Economic Union? This international association, aimed at the economic integration of a number of countries located in Europe and Asia. Currently, it only includes a number of states of the former Soviet Union, but this does not mean that, theoretically, the EAEU cannot expand beyond the borders of the former USSR.

It should be noted that members of the Eurasian Economic Union are expanding cooperation among themselves not only in economic terms, but also in political and cultural aspects.

Organizational goals

The main goal that the Eurasian Economic Union sets for itself is to deepen economic interaction between its member countries. This is expressed in local tasks, such as stimulating trade circulation between countries, removing customs and tax restrictions on trade, developing cooperation and developing common economic projects. The result of deepening cooperation should be the growth of the economies of the participating countries and an increase in the living standards of their citizens.

The main tool for achieving the strategic goal is to ensure free trade, which is expressed in the unimpeded movement of goods, capital, labor and other resources within the borders of the EAEU.

Background of creation

Let's find out how such an organization as the Eurasian Economic Union was formed.

The beginning of the reintegration of states in the open spaces former USSR marked the creation of the CIS. The agreement on the formation of this entity was signed in December 1991 between the heads of the RSFSR, Belarus and Ukraine. Later, until 1994 inclusive, all Soviet republics, except the Baltic countries, joined it. True, Turkmenistan takes part in the organization as an association; the Ukrainian parliament has never ratified the agreement, therefore, although the country is a founder and participant in the association, it is not legally a member, and Georgia left the CIS in 2008.

At the same time, during their work, the Commonwealth institutions have shown their low efficiency. The decisions of the CIS bodies were actually not binding on its members and were often not implemented, and the economic effect of cooperation was minimal. This has forced the governments of some countries in the region to think about creating more effective systems of interaction.

The President of Kazakhstan made a statement about the need to create a closer union than the CIS, which would imply systemic integration of the economies of the participating countries, as well as a common defense policy. By analogy with the European Union, he called the hypothetical organization the Eurasian Union. As we can see, the name stuck and was used in the future to create a new economic structure.

The next step on the path of mutual integration was the signing in 1996 of the Agreement on Deepening Integration between the leaders of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Its action covered both economic and humanitarian spheres.

EurAsEC is the predecessor of the EAEU

In 2001, the integration aspirations of the above countries, as well as Tajikistan, which joined them, were expressed in the creation of a full-fledged international organization - the Eurasian Economic Community. In 2006, Uzbekistan became a member of the EurAsEC, but only after two years it suspended its participation in the organization. Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia received observer status.

The purpose of this organization was to deepen economic cooperation in the region, as well as the implementation of some tasks that the CIS could not cope with. It was a natural continuation of the integration processes that were launched by the 1996 agreement, and the Eurasian Economic Union was the result of common efforts.

Organization of the Customs Union

One of the main tasks of the EurAsEC was the organization of the Customs Union. It provided for a single customs territory. That is, within the borders of this interstate association, customs duties were not levied when moving goods.

The agreement on the formation of the Customs Union between representatives of Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus was signed back in 2007. But before the organization could begin to fully function, each of the participating countries had to make appropriate changes to their domestic legislation.

TS began its activities in January 2010. First of all, this was expressed in the formation of identical customs tariffs. The Unified Customs Code came into force in July. It served as the foundation on which the entire TS system rests. This is how the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union was formed, which is still in force today.

In 2011, a common customs territory began to function, which meant the abolition of all customs restrictions between the CU countries.

During 2014-2015, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia also joined the Customs Union. Representatives of the authorities of Tunisia and Syria expressed their desire for their countries to join the CU organization in the future.

The Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Union are, in fact, components of the same regional integration process.

Education of the EAEU

The Eurasian Economic Union is the final result of the integration aspirations of a number of countries of the former Soviet Union. The decision to create this organization was made at the summit of the heads EurAsEC members back in 2010. Since 2012, the Common Economic Space began to function, on the basis of which the formation of the EAEU was planned.

In May 2014, an agreement was agreed between the heads of Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus on the creation of this organization. In fact, it came into force at the beginning of 2015. Due to this fact, the EurAsEC was liquidated.

Participating countries

Initially, the founding countries of the EurAsEC organization were the states that were most interested in economic integration in the region. These are Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia. Later they were joined by Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

Thus, currently the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union are represented by five countries.

Extension

The United Eurasian Economic Union is not a structure with fixed borders. Hypothetically, any country that meets the requirements of the organization can become its member. Thus, in January 2015, Armenia became a member of the union, and in August Kyrgyzstan joined the organization.

The most likely candidate to join the community is Tajikistan. This country works closely with EAEU states within the framework of other regional organizations and does not remain aloof from integration processes. Tajikistan is a member of the CIS, the collective defense organization CSTO, and at one time was a full member of the EurAsEC community, which ceased to exist after the EAEU began functioning. In 2014, the President of Tajikistan announced the need to study the possibility of the country joining the EAEU.

In 2012-2013, negotiations were held on the possible future entry into the organization of Ukraine, since regional cooperation without this country, according to experts, could not give the maximum effect. But the political elite of the state was committed to integration in the European direction. After the overthrow of the Yanukovych government in 2014, the possibility of Ukraine joining the EAEU can only be realistic in the long term.

Controls

Members of the Eurasian Economic Union formed the governing bodies of this international organization.

The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council is the governing body of the EAEU at the highest level. It includes heads that represent the states of the Eurasian Economic Union. This body resolves all the most important strategic issues. He holds a meeting once a year. Decisions are made exclusively unanimously. The countries of the Eurasian Economic Union are obliged to comply with all decisions of the Supreme Council of the EAEU.

Naturally, a body that meets once a year cannot fully ensure the constant functioning of the entire organization. For these purposes, a commission of the Eurasian Economic Union (Eurasian Economic Commission) was created. The tasks of this structure include the preparation and implementation of specific integration measures, which are provided for by the general development strategy developed by the Supreme Council. Currently, the commission employs 1,071 people who have received the status of international employees.

The executive body of the commission is the Collegium. It consists of fourteen people. In fact, each of them is an analogue of ministers in national governments and is responsible for a specific area of ​​activity: economy, energy, customs cooperation, trade, etc.

Economic interaction

The main goal of creating the EAEU is to deepen economic integration between the countries of the region. Therefore, it is not surprising that economics comes first in the organization’s tasks.

Within the boundaries of the organization, the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union, adopted back in 2010, before the start of the functioning of the EAEU, is in force. It provides for the free movement of goods without customs control in the territory of all countries of the organization.

The use of economic instruments provided for by the EAEU development concept is intended to reduce the cost of goods that cross the border due to the absence of a customs margin on them; increase competition, which should cause an increase in product quality; bring tax legislation in all countries to a common denominator; increase the GDP of the organization’s members and the welfare of their citizens.

Criticism

At the same time, there are many critical reviews of the work of the EAEU among economic analysts. Moreover, they exist both among ardent opponents of the existence of such an organization, and among its moderate supporters.

Thus, the fact that the project was actually launched before all the nuances of its mechanisms had been worked out and agreements had been reached on the prospects of the EAEU has been criticized. It is also noted that in fact the union pursues political rather than economic goals, and in economic terms it is not beneficial for all its members, including Russia.

Prospects

At the same time, the prospects for the EAEU with making the right choice the economic course and coordination of actions between the participants look quite good. A significant economic effect is noticeable even under the conditions of sanctions imposed on Russia by Western countries. In the future, it is planned that the effect of participation in the EAEU will be expressed in a 25 percent increase in GDP for all its participants.

In addition, there is a possibility of further expansion of the organization. Many countries of the world are interested in cooperation with the EAEU without joining the union. For example, a free trade zone will soon begin to operate between the community and Vietnam. Interest in establishing similar relationships The governments of Iran, China, India, Egypt, Pakistan and a number of other states also expressed their views.

Subtotals

It is still too early to talk about how successful the implementation of the EAEU has been, because the organization has been functioning for just over a year. At the same time, certain intermediate results can be drawn right now.

It is a great achievement that the organization actually works and is not a structure created just for show. This is especially significant in the context of international economic sanctions against the country, which, in fact, is the cementing basis of the union - Russia.

At the same time, despite many positive aspects, it should be noted that the EAEU does not function as clearly as those who saw the future of this organization only in rosy colors would like. There are many disagreements both at the level of senior management of the participating countries and in terms of agreeing on small details, which leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of the economic return of this project as a whole.

But let’s hope that the shortcomings will be resolved over time, and the EAEU will turn into a clear mechanism that works effectively for the benefit of all its members.

Legal basis of the EAEU

Basic provisions. Article 1.

  1. ... The Eurasian Economic Union (hereinafter referred to as the Union, EAEU), within which the freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and labor is ensured, the conduct of coordinated, coordinated or common policy in the sectors of the economy defined by this Treaty and international treaties within the Union.
  2. The Union is an international organization for regional economic integration with international legal personality.

Goals of the Union. Article 4.

The main goals of the Union are:

  • creating conditions for the stable development of the economies of the member states in the interests of improving the living standards of their population;
  • the desire to form a single market for goods, services, capital and labor resources within the Union;
  • comprehensive modernization, cooperation and increasing the competitiveness of national economies in the global economy.

Fundamental principles and norms of functioning of the EAEU. Article 3.

  • respect for generally recognized principles of international law, including the principles of sovereign equality of member states and their territorial integrity;
  • respect for the peculiarities of the political structure of the member states;
  • ensuring mutually beneficial cooperation, equality and consideration of the national interests of the Parties;
  • compliance with the principles of a market economy and fair competition;
  • functioning of the customs union without exceptions and restrictions after the end of the transition periods.

The principle of most favored nation treatment in trade- an economic and legal term meaning the establishment in international treaties and agreements of provisions under which each of the contracting parties undertakes to provide the other party, its physical and legal entities no less favorable conditions in the field of economic, trade and other relations that it provides or will provide in the future to any third state, its individuals or legal entities.

The above principle is enshrined in the provisions of Article 1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade of 1947 - the fundamental document of the World Trade Organization, the norms and principles of operation of which are taken into account when applying the provisions of the Treaty on the EAEU (preamble to the Treaty on the EAEU).

The principle of free movement of capital, goods, services and labor, providing for the possibility of subjects of economic relations to freely carry out their activities within the Common Economic Space, and, therefore, the absence of restrictions at the national level

History of the EAEU

Stage of “institutional integration”

The coming to power of Vladimir Putin in the Russian Federation and a certain stabilization of the socio-economic situation in key countries of the Eurasian Community in the early 2000s allowed the leaders of these countries to embark on more serious approaches to integration. During this period, the most important integration structures were established - EurAsEC and CSTO, which, however, for a long time have not yet realized their full potential, which is why it can be called the stage of “institutional integration”.

In 2000, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan established the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) in order to increase the efficiency of interaction, develop integration processes and deepen cooperation in various fields. In 2006, Uzbekistan joined the Community. The priorities of the new international organization were to increase the efficiency of interaction and develop integration.

In 2003, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine, based on the concept of multi-level integration, within the CIS, concluded an Agreement on the formation of a Common Economic Space in order to create conditions for the stable and effective development of the economies of states and improving the living standards of their populations.

In August 2006, at an informal summit of the heads of state - members of the Eurasian Economic Community in Sochi, a decision was made to intensify work on the formation of the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia with the further possible accession of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to it.

Based on the agreements reached at the summit, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia in October 2007 signed an Agreement on the creation of a single customs territory and the formation of a Customs Union.

"Actual integration" stage

However, only the onset of the financial and economic crisis, which broke out around the world in 2008, stimulated the search for new models for minimizing economic risks and sustainable development and finally determined the intensification of regional integration processes.

In June 2009, the highest body of the Customs Union determined the stages and timing of the formation of a single customs territory of the Customs Union (CU), designating January 1, 2010 as the beginning of the first stage of its formation.

By January 1, 2012, the legal framework of the SES was formed - a market with 170 million consumers, unified legislation, free movement of goods, services, capital and labor. The SES is based on coordinated actions in key areas of economic regulation: macroeconomics, competition, industrial and agricultural subsidies, transport, energy, and natural monopoly tariffs. For the population and business community, the benefits from the SES are obvious. Entrepreneurs have equal access to the common market of the three countries, can freely choose where to register their companies and conduct business, sell goods without unnecessary restrictions in any of the SES member states, have access to transport infrastructure, etc. Creation and phased debugging the mechanisms of the single market is an important part of the plans of the CU and CES member states for the transition from a resource-based economy to an innovative one.

On February 2, 2012, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) began work - for the first time in the twenty-year history of the Eurasian integration process, a permanent supranational regulatory body was created with real powers in a number of key areas of the economy. The EEC provides the conditions for the functioning and development of the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space, and the development of proposals for the further development of integration.

2013 became one of the most significant periods in the improvement and development of Eurasian integration processes. In particular, work continued to ensure the accession of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Eurasian integration project, which began with the decision of the Interstate Council of the EurAsEC adopted back in 2011.

In May 2013, a Memorandum on deepening interaction between the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Kyrgyz Republic was signed. The purpose of concluding the Memorandum is to maintain and develop cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect, deepening the interaction of the Kyrgyz Republic with the member states of the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space in various spheres of the economy.

On September 3, 2013, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan announced his country’s intention to join the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space and integrate further by participating in the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union. At the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on October 24, 2013 in Minsk, the Presidents of the participating countries considered the appeal of the Republic of Armenia and instructed the EEC to begin work on accession. The EEC Working Group created for this purpose developed a corresponding “road map”.

On December 24, 2013, the “road map” for the accession of the Republic of Armenia to the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space was approved at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council at the level of heads of state. The heads of state of the “customs troika” and Armenia adopted the Statement “On the participation of the Republic of Armenia in the Eurasian integration process,” which welcomed the intention of the Republic of Armenia to join the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space and subsequently become a full member of the Eurasian Economic Union.

In 2013–2014, the Eurasian Economic Commission and the authorized bodies of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation, on instructions from the Presidents of their countries, actively prepared the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). With its adoption, the codification of international treaties constituting the regulatory legal framework of the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space was completed.

During this period, 5 rounds of negotiations took place to finalize the draft Treaty, in which more than 700 experts from member states and the EEC took part. The final document, numbering more than 1000 pages, consists of 4 parts (including 28 sections, 118 articles) and 33 annexes.

On May 29, 2014, in Astana, during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, Presidents Alexander Lukashenko, Nursultan Nazarbayev and Vladimir Putin signed the Treaty on the Establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union. Many politicians and experts called this project the most ambitious and at the same time the most realistic, based on calculated economic benefits and mutual benefits. Wide opportunities are opening up for the business community of the participating states: the Treaty gives the green light to the formation of new dynamic markets with uniform standards and requirements for goods, services, capital, and labor.

On October 10, 2014, the Treaty on the Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the EAEU was signed in Minsk. The document was adopted at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, which was attended by the heads of its member states. On the same day, Presidents Alexander Lukashenko, Nursultan Nazarbayev and Vladimir Putin approved the road map for joining the Single Economic Space of the Kyrgyz Republic.

On December 23, 2014 in Moscow, at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, the President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambaev signed the Treaty on the Accession of the Kyrgyz Republic to the EAEU.

The Eurasian Economic Union began to function on January 1, 2015. The Republic of Belarus became the first chairman of the highest bodies of the association - the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council at the level of heads of state, the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council at the level of heads of government and the EEC Council at the level of vice-premiers.

At the same time, on January 1, 2015, a single market for services began to operate in a number of sectors defined by the EAEU states, within which service providers were provided with the maximum level of freedom.

The total number of service sectors in the single market is 43. In value terms, this is almost 50% of the total volume of service provision in the states of the Union. In the future, the Parties will strive to maximize the expansion of these sectors, including through a gradual reduction of exemptions and restrictions, which will strengthen the Eurasian integration project.

On January 2, 2015, after the completion of ratification procedures, the Republic of Armenia became a full member of the Eurasian Economic Union. In March 2015, the first documents were presented for public discussion, in October 2015 - the last of about forty that the EAEU countries and the Commission needed to adopt by the end of the year to begin work in the Union of Common Markets for Medicines and Medical Devices.

On May 29, 2015, the EAEU countries and Vietnam signed an agreement to create a free trade zone. The document, which provides for the zeroing out of duties on 90% of goods, will allow the trade turnover of the allied states and Vietnam to more than double by 2020. The agreement marked the beginning of subsequent closer integration with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

In May 2015, the Presidents of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union decided to begin negotiations with China to conclude an agreement on trade and economic cooperation. This is not yet a preferential agreement, but an important stage in the development of economic cooperation, streamlining the entire structure of relations and creating a basis for further movement. Including with a view to possibly reaching an agreement on a free trade zone in the future. For effective organization of this activity, in October 2015, the Presidents adopted a decree on coordinating the actions of the Union countries on issues of linking the construction of the EAEU and the Economic Belt Silk Road. The official ones started at the beginning of 2016.

On August 12, 2015, after the implementation of the “road map” and the completion of ratification procedures, the Kyrgyz Republic became a full member of the Union.

In October 2015, at the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, the Presidents of the five allied countries approved the Main Directions economic development The EAEU until 2030 is an important document that defines the further coordination of national policies and ways to increase the competitiveness of the economies of the Union states. The effect of participation in the EAEU by 2030 for member states is estimated at up to 13% of additional GDP growth.

On January 1, 2016, the functioning of common markets for medicines and medical products begins in the Eurasian Economic Union. The unified system in this area formed in the EAEU will ensure their safety and quality, create optimal conditions for the development and increase in the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry and medical products produced in the territory of the Union countries, and their introduction to the world market.

During the last four-year period, and especially actively in 2015 in connection with the acquisition by the Union international legal personality After the signing of the Treaty on the EAEU, the member states of the EAEU, together with the EEC, strengthened the influence of the Union on the external contour. His authority and importance in the international arena have increased markedly. This is confirmed not only by the expansion of the Eurasian Economic Union through the accession of the Republic of Armenia and the Kyrgyz Republic, but also by the growing interest in close cooperation with the EAEU from many countries of the world: China, Vietnam, Israel, Egypt, India and others. An important element The strategy for economic cooperation of the EAEU should also include a direct dialogue between the Eurasian and European Commissions. The prerequisites for such a dialogue have been created.

In contrast to global crisis phenomena, the consistent and successful transformation of the Eurasian space continues on market economic principles while maintaining political independence and the existing cultural identity of sovereign states.

Institutional structure of the EAEU

In 2012–2015, an effective institutional basis for Eurasian economic integration was formed: the Eurasian Economic Commission with headquarters in Moscow, the Court of the Eurasian Economic Union, located in Minsk. A decision was made to create a financial regulator by 2025, which will be located in Almaty.

The bodies of the Eurasian Economic Union are:

  • Supreme Eurasian Economic Council;
  • Eurasian Intergovernmental Council;
  • Eurasian Economic Commission;
  • Court of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Supreme Eurasian Economic Council

The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (Supreme Council, SEEC) is the supreme body of the Union, consisting of the heads of state members of the Union. The Supreme Council considers fundamental issues of the Union's activities, determines the strategy, directions and prospects for the development of integration and makes decisions aimed at realizing the goals of the Union.

Decisions and orders of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council are made by consensus. The decisions of the Supreme Council are subject to execution by member states in the manner prescribed by their national legislation.

Meetings of the Supreme Council are held at least once a year. To resolve urgent issues of the activities of the union, extraordinary meetings of the Supreme Council may be convened at the initiative of any of the member states or the Chairman of the Supreme Council.

Meetings of the Supreme Council are held under the leadership of the Chairman of the Supreme Council. Members of the Commission Council, the Chairman of the Board of the Commission and other invited persons may participate in meetings of the Supreme Council at the invitation of the Chairman of the Supreme Council.

Eurasian Intergovernmental Council

The Eurasian Intergovernmental Council (Intergovernmental Council) is a body of the union consisting of heads of government of member states. The Intergovernmental Council ensures the implementation and monitoring of the execution of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, international treaties within the framework of the union and decisions of the Supreme Council; considers, at the proposal of the Council of the Commission, issues on which consensus has not been reached; gives instructions to the Commission, and also exercises other powers provided for by the Treaty on the EAEU and international treaties within the union. Decisions and orders of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council are adopted by consensus and are subject to execution by member states in the manner prescribed by their national legislation.

Meetings of the Intergovernmental Council are held as necessary, but at least 2 times a year. To resolve urgent issues of the Union's activities, extraordinary meetings of the Intergovernmental Council may be convened at the initiative of any of the member states or the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Council.

Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC)

The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) is a permanent supranational regulatory body of the Eurasian Economic Union, which began working on February 2, 2012 on the basis of Appendix No. 1 to the Treaty on the EAEU and the Regulations on the Eurasian Economic Commission. The main objectives of the EEC are to ensure conditions for the functioning and development of the union, as well as to develop proposals in the field of economic integration within the union. The EEC carries out its activities based on the principles

  • ensuring mutual benefit, equality and taking into account the national interests of member states;
  • economic feasibility of decisions made;
  • openness, publicity, objectivity.

EAEU Court

The Court of the Eurasian Economic Union is also a permanent judicial body of the Eurasian Economic Union. It began its work on January 1, 2015 on the basis of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union and the Statute of the Court of the Eurasian Economic Union. The purpose of the Court is to ensure, in accordance with the provisions of the Statute, the uniform application by member states and bodies of the union of the Treaty, international treaties within the union, international treaties of the union with a third Party and decisions of the bodies of the union. The Court is composed of two judges from each member state, each serving a nine-year term of office. The Chairman of the Court and his deputy are elected to positions from the Court by the judges of the Court in accordance with the Rules and are approved by the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. The President of the Court and his deputy cannot be citizens of the same Member State. The status, composition, competence, procedure for functioning and formation of the Union Court are determined by the Statute of the Court of the Eurasian Economic Union in accordance with Appendix No. 2 to the Treaty on the EAEU. The Court considers disputes arising on the implementation of the Treaty, international treaties within the union and (or) decisions of the union bodies, at the request of a member state or at the request of an economic entity (Appendix No. 2 to the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, Statute of the Court of the Eurasian Economic Union) .

Thus, from the above it is obvious that the formation of the EAEU was extremely dynamic and took place in a short time. Also, in a fairly short period, the main institutions of the bloc were formed to ensure its functioning. This development was due to both the internal needs of the member states and the influence of external factors.

Blocks and departments (areas of work) of the EEC

Blocks (areas of work) of the EEC (2016):

Chairman of the Board Armenia
Member of the Board (Minister) for Competition and Antimonopoly Regulation Kazakhstan
Member of the Board (Minister) for the main areas of integration and macroeconomics Russia
Member of the Board (Minister) for Technical Regulation Belarus
Member of the Board (Minister) for Industry and Agro-Industrial Complex Belarus
Member of the Board (Minister) for Trade Russia
Member of the Board (Minister) for Economics and Financial Policy Kazakhstan
Member of the Board (Minister) for Internal Markets, Informatization,

information and communication technologies

 Armenia
Member of the Board (Minister) for Customs Cooperation of the EEC Kyrgyzstan
Member of the Board (Minister) for Energy and Infrastructure of the EEC Kyrgyzstan

Departments of the EEC (2016):

  • Department of Protocol and Organizational Support;
  • Department of Finance;
  • Legal Department;
  • Department of Information Technology;
  • Department for the Functioning of Internal Markets;
  • Case Management Department;
  • Integration Development Department;
  • Department of Macroeconomic Policy;
  • Department of Statistics;
  • Department of Financial Policy;
  • Department of Business Development;
  • Department of Labor Migration;
  • Department of Industrial Policy;
  • Department of Agricultural Policy;
  • Department of Customs, Tariff and Non-Tariff Regulation;
  • Department of Internal Market Protection;
  • Trade Policy Department;
  • Department of Technical Regulation and Accreditation;
  • Department of Sanitary, Phytosanitary and Veterinary Measures;
  • Department of Customs Legislation and Law Enforcement Practice;
  • Department of Customs Infrastructure;
  • Department of Transport and Infrastructure;
  • Department of Energy;
  • Department of Antimonopoly Regulation;
  • Department of Competition Policy and Public Procurement Policy.

Leading positions of the EAEU

The EAEU is the largest interstate entity in the world. Its territory occupies 20 million square meters or 15% of the world's landmass.

The EAEU is a leader in the production of oil (including gas condensate) and natural gas. In 2013, its share in global production of these energy resources was 18.4% and 14.9%, respectively. It ranks 3rd in total energy production (5.4%) and 4th in total coal production (4.8%).

The Union is the leader in the total production of potash fertilizers, it ranks 5th in steel production, and 3rd in cast iron.

The EAEU also occupies a leading position in the production of agricultural products. Thus, in 2013, it took 1st place in the cultivation of sunflower (for grain) and sugar beets, which represented 24.2% and 17.6% of the global level. In terms of the total number of potatoes grown, it took 3rd place (11.3% of the world total), 4th in grain (9.7%), 5th in grains and legumes (4.3%) and meat products (livestock and poultry for slaughter) - 3.2%, and in terms of the number of vegetables and melons collected, it ranks 7th (1.9%). In milk production at the beginning of 2015, the EAEU ranked 3rd (7% of world production).

The share of the EAEU population with access to the Internet at the beginning of 2015 was 59.4% of the population, which represents 4.4% of global Internet users.

Macroeconomic policy of the EAEU

Macroeconomic sustainability and convergence

Ensuring macroeconomic sustainability is based on the Basic macroeconomic indicators that determine the sustainability of economic development established by Article 63 of the Treaty:

  • the annual deficit of the consolidated budget of the general government sector does not exceed 3 percent of gross domestic product;
  • general government debt does not exceed 50 percent of gross domestic product;
  • inflation rate (index consumer prices) in annual terms (December to December of the previous year, in percentage) – does not exceed by more than 5 percentage points the inflation rate in the Member State in which this indicator has the lowest value.

Due to the slowdown in the growth of economic activity and trade, the decline in commodity prices on a global scale, as well as sanctions and counter-sanctions between the Russian Federation, the USA, the EU and some other states, the EAEU economy as a whole experienced an economic decline in 2014-2016 . In turn, this led to a deterioration in the economic sustainability indicators of the EAEU member states and all member states exceeding the threshold value for one or another indicator during this period. Accordingly, from 2014 to 2016, the Commission held consultations with all member states of the EAEU on the situation with exceeding one or another indicator of economic sustainability, and also developed recommendations in 2016 for the Kyrgyz Republic (on debt), for the Republic of Armenia (budget deficit), for the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Belarus (inflation).

Report: Long-term forecast of economic development of the Eurasian Economic Union until 2030

From a long-term development perspective, the report identified three possible scenarios:

1) Inertial (Extended status quo)

2) Fragmentary (Transit-raw materials bridge)

3) Maximum (Own center of force)

Potential integration effects include:

  • Growth of mutual trade
  • Growth in non-oil and gas exports and reduction in the share of imports from third countries
  • Growth of foreign direct investment

The potential effect of integration on the level of economic development of the Union, defined as the difference between scenarios with the current and maximum level of integration (“Extended status quo” and “Own center of power”), is estimated at US$210 billion at current prices, or within US$140 billion at purchasing power parity in 2012 prices. The effect of participation in the Union by 2030 for member states is estimated at up to 13 percent of additional growth in gross domestic product.

The following have the greatest development potential within the Union:

  1. In the area of ​​goods - production of pharmaceutical products and chemical products.
  2. In the services sector, travel (covers goods and services purchased in a country during a visit by non-residents of that country for their own consumption or subsequent transfer to a third party) and transport services.

Indicators of integration and economic development of the EAEU

Direct investments in US dollars increased in all EAEU member states in 2012–2015. with the exception of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2015. At the same time, direct investment from other member states increased despite the 2015 recession in the EAEU, as well as despite a decrease in foreign direct investment in general (with the exception of the Kyrgyz Republic).

Despite the reduction in nominal volumes in 2014-2016 (which is largely explained by the decline in global commodity prices), it is necessary to note the increase in the share of mutual trade in the total volume of foreign trade in 2015-2016. This suggests that internal trade within the Union in crisis conditions turned out to be more stable than trade of the Union with third countries. The entry into the EAEU of the Armenian Republic and the Kyrgyz Republic also had a positive effect.

Since the formation of the Customs Union in 2010, the economic growth rate of this union has generally been quite good. They significantly exceeded the growth rate of the developed economies of the world. In 2011-2012 the integration effect even allowed the Customs Union to slightly exceed the world average in economic growth rates. However, the fall in prices for raw materials, the slowdown in international trade growth and sanctions imposed between the Russian Federation and some Western countries led to a recession in the EAEU, which replaced the Customs Union. Today, the EAEU faces the task of returning to positive rates of economic growth.

Economic activity within the CU and the EAEU has had a positive impact on all participants in these economic associations. Gross domestic product per capita at purchasing power parity (in US dollars) in 2015 compared to 2010 increased in all Member States from 15 to 27 percent.

The current account balance of the balance of payments as a percentage of GDP has also improved, but this improvement reflects a decrease in capital account financing and exchange rate adjustments as a result of the crisis and cannot be reflected at this stage. positive indicator development. On the other hand, the weakening of the national currencies of the EAEU in 2014-2016. can contribute to the development of exports.

Forms of international cooperation of the EAEU

  1. Full Membership

The full member states of the EAEU are: the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation.

  1. Observer state status

Any state has the right to apply to the Chairman of the SEEC with a request to grant it the status of an observer state in the EAEU. And then the Supreme Council, taking into account the interests of developing integration and achieving the goals of the Treaty on the EAEU, makes a decision to grant such status or to refuse to grant it. Observer status gives the opportunity to authorized representatives of the observer state to attend meetings of the Union bodies by invitation, to receive documents accepted by the Union bodies that are not documents of a confidential nature. However, this status does not give the right to participate in decision-making in the bodies of the Union. At the same time, the observer state is obliged to refrain from any actions that could harm the interests of the Union and member states, the object and purposes of the Treaty on the EAEU.

  1. Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding

The purpose of the Memorandum is to create a platform for the comprehensive development of trade and economic cooperation, identifying and eliminating barriers to trade. Within the framework of the Memorandum, bilateral consultations are held with the involvement of experts, which can be actively used by the EAEU member states and partner states. The first Memorandum was signed with Mongolia in 2015. At this stage, this concept of cooperation has been implemented with Chile, Peru, Singapore and Cambodia. The plans include Mexico, Cuba, APEC, Andean Community of Nations, African Union, East African Community, Brazil, Moroca, Jordan, Thailand, Bangladesh.

  1. Trade agreements of two types: free trade area (FTA) and trade and economic cooperation

The free trade agreement with Vietnam came into force in October 2016. The lecturer noted that at the moment it is too early to talk about the results of such interaction, but in a year it is planned to observe positive trends. Joint study groups (between the EAEU and the relevant country) studying the feasibility of starting negotiations on an FTA are working with South Korea and Egypt. Negotiations on the creation of an FTA are ongoing with Singapore, India and Serbia.

Another form of trade agreement (trade and economic cooperation) in the form of a “non-preferential trade agreement” is being worked out with China.

Status of implementation of trade agreements of the EAEU with third countries (March 2017):

A country Creation of a joint research group Start of negotiations FTA Agreement
Vietnam 2009 CCC decision SEEC decision of December 19, 2012 SEEC decision of May 8, 2015
Singapore Joint statement of October 26, 2016
India Council decision of March 28, 2014 Decision of the EEC Council of November 30, 2016
South Korea Council decision of October 18, 2015
Egypt Council decision of August 15, 2015
China SEEC decision to begin negotiations on concluding an agreement on trade and economic cooperation dated May 8, 2015.
Serbia SEEC decision on the start of negotiations dated May 31, 2016.

Results of 2016 and plans for the future:

Dmitry Yezhov summed up his speech with the results of 2016, which was defined by the President of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev as “the year of deepening international cooperation of the EAEU”:

  • international EAEU cooperation in such directions as Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa;
  • imports from the Asia-Pacific Economic Community (APEC) exceeded imports from the European Union (EU) for the first time.

Literature:

  1. Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union. Astana, May 29, 2014
  2. Kofner Yu. Eurasian Economic Union in the global economy and prospects for its development. Moscow, 2016
  3. Official website of the Eurasian Economic Commission [Electronic resource] // http://www.eurasiancommission.org/ Date of access: 04/24/2017.
  4. History, logic, results and prospects for the development of the EAEU. Report of the EEC lecture at the National Research University Higher School of Economics [Electronic resource] // http://site/archives/2273
  5. Macroeconomic policy of the EAEU. Report of the EEC lecture at the National Research University Higher School of Economics [Electronic resource] // http://site/archives/2524
  6. Cooperation of the EAEU with third countries and international organizations.

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an international integration economic association (union), the agreement on the creation of which was signed on May 29, 2014 and comes into force on January 1, 2015. The union included Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. The EAEU was created on the basis of the Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) to strengthen the economies of the participating countries and “bring closer to each other”, to modernize and increase the competitiveness of the participating countries in the world market. The EAEU member states plan to continue economic integration in the coming years.

History of the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union

In 1995, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and later joining states - Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed the first agreements on the creation of the Customs Union. Based on these agreements, the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) was created in 2000.

On October 6, 2007, in Dushanbe (Tajikistan), Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia signed an agreement on the creation of a single customs territory and the Customs Union Commission as a single permanent governing body of the Customs Union.

The Eurasian Customs Union or the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia was born on January 1, 2010. The customs union was launched as the first step towards the formation of a broader European Union-type economic union of former Soviet republics.

The creation of the Eurasian Customs Union was guaranteed by 3 different treaties signed in 1995, 1999 and 2007. The first agreement in 1995 guaranteed its creation, the second in 1999 guaranteed its formation, and the third in 2007 announced the creation of a single customs territory and the formation of a customs union.

Access of products to the territory of the Customs Union was granted after checking these products for compliance with the requirements of the technical regulations of the Customs Union that are applicable to these products. As of December 2012, 31 Technical Regulations of the Customs Union have been developed, which cover various types of products, some of which have already entered into force, and some of which will enter into force before 2015. Some technical regulations will still be developed.

Before the Technical Regulations came into force, the basis for access to the market of the member countries of the Customs Union were the following rules:

1. National certificate - for product access to the market of the country where this certificate was issued.

2. Certificate of the Customs Union - a certificate issued in accordance with the “List of products subject to mandatory assessment (confirmation) of conformity within the Customs Union” - such a certificate is valid in all three member countries of the Customs Union.

Since November 19, 2011, member states have implemented the work of a joint commission (Eurasian Economic Commission) to strengthen closer economic ties to create the Eurasian Economic Union by 2015.

On January 1, 2012, the three states formed the Common Economic Space to promote further economic integration. All three countries have ratified a basic package of 17 agreements governing the launch of the Common Economic Space (CES).

On May 29, 2014, an agreement on the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union was signed in Astana (Kazakhstan).

Tasks

    Completion of the full implementation of the free trade regime, the formation of a common customs tariff and a unified system of non-tariff regulation measures

    Ensuring freedom of capital movement

    Formation of a common financial market

    Harmonization of the principles and conditions for the transition to a single currency within the EurAsEC

    Establishing common rules for trade in goods and services and their access to internal markets

    Creation of a common unified customs regulation system

    Development and implementation of interstate target programs

    Creating equal conditions for production and business activities

    Formation of a common market for transport services and a unified transport system

    Formation of a common energy market

    Creation of equal conditions for access of foreign investments to the markets of the Parties

    Ensuring free movement of citizens of EurAsEC states within the Community

    Coordination of social policy with the aim of forming a community of social states, providing for a common labor market, a common educational space, coordinated approaches to addressing issues of healthcare, labor migration, etc.

    Approximation and harmonization of national legislations

    Ensuring interaction between the legal systems of the EurAsEC states in order to create a common legal space within the Community

    Interaction with the UN