Window of opportunities for EAEU. How to deal with economic crisis?

19 июля 2020
It's not just the manufacturers who feel the negative impact of the pandemic today. The urgent question for all states is how to deal with economic crises in the post-coronavirus era. It's a challenge for the Eurasian Five countries, too. 

The meeting of EAEU premiers in Minsk was an occasion to recall that it's much easier to solve problems together. 

Nikol Pashinyan also took part in the virtual summit. The position of Prime Minister in Armenia is the key one, so we have to work on two fronts. The interest in face-to-face meetings was expressed by all participants. 

The presidency of Belarus in the EAEC falls on this difficult time. However, we adhere to clear priorities: We are in favor of removing barriers and exceptions to trade between the countries of the Union and strengthening the competence of the Eurasian Commission. Minsk is always for specifics and progress on the integration path. This applies to industrial policy, the agro-industrial complex market, and the flow of goods between countries.

 
Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: "There are a lot of problems in EAEU, we have not fulfilled what we agreed on. So there is something to work on, but I would really like the meeting of premiers to give impetus to manage these problems". 

The key disagreement is tariff formation for gas transportation. Minsk's position is well known here. Fair prices are a matter of principle for Belarus. A clear movement towards common energy markets depends on it.

Our President emphasized Russia's role in integration. It is the locomotive of processes, especially economic ones, in the entire post-Soviet space.

Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: "Of course, we insist that all our agreements must be implemented. And we must build our allied relations exclusively on an equal basis. As a historian understand well and I have studied this topic very carefully - alliances that are not built on an equal basis do not exist for a long time. 

It is believed that on many issues the Prime Ministers of the Five will be able to find solutions in the preparation of a five-year strategy for the development of integration. In general, it has been approved, but there are no final signatures on the document yet - it's the prerogative of the leaders, who are scheduled to meet in Minsk in autumn.