Eurasian Economic Union: Difference between revisions

{{shortShort description|Economic union of countries in Eurasia}}{{see|Eurasian economic integration|Common Economic Space of the Commonwealth of Independent States}}

| {{nowrap|[[Moscow]], [[Russia]]}}<br />{{small|([[Eurasian Economic Commission|Commission]])}}

| {{nowrap|[[Minsk]], [[Belarus]]}}<br />{{small|([[Court of the Eurasian Economic Union|Court]])}}

| largest_city = [[Moscow]]<br />{{smaller|{{coord|55|45|N|37|37|E|display=inline}}}}

| leader_title1 = Chairman of the [[Supreme Eurasian Economic Council]] (2024)

| established_event3 = [[Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union|Eurasian Customs Union]]

| leader_name2 = {{flagicon|BelarusKazakhstan}} [[MikhailBakhytjan MyasnikovichSagintayev]]

[[File:Timeline of EAEU Integration - WTO.png|thumb|Timeline of EAEU Integration from the [[World Trade Organization]] report.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://docsonline.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/REG/358-1.pdf&Open=True</ref>]] |title=Factual presentation

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 [[Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union|Eurasian Customs Union]] and the Single Economic Space.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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)}}</ref>

A Treaty on a Single Economic Space by Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine was signed in 2003 and ratified in 2004, but the process was stalled after the [[Orange revolution]].<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

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

The Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia (now the [[Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union|Eurasian Customs Union]]) came into existence on 1 January 2010.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 [[Post-Soviet states|former Soviet states]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> The member states planned to continue with economic integration and were set to remove all [[customs border]]s between each other after July 2011.

{{Main|Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022–present)}}

As a result of Russia's [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|invasion of Ukraine]], the US and EU placed sanctions upon Russia and Belarus.<ref name="TimurSuleimenov">{{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}}</ref> On 10 March 10, 2022, Russia suspended exports of wheat, meslin, rye, barley, and corn to the Eurasian Economic Union to secure the country's food supplies.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The ban was reversed on 1 April 1, 2022, although other restrictions on the trade of foods were simultaneously introduced.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On March 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.<ref name="TimurSuleimenov"/>

On 15 December 15, 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Armenia announced its decision to join the [[Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union|Eurasian Customs Union]] in September 2013. [[President of Armenia|President]] [[Serj Sargsyan]] announced the decision after talks with his Russian counterpart President [[Vladimir Putin]] in [[Moscow]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> The treaty enlarging the EAEU to Armenia was signed on 9 October 2014.<ref name=":14" /> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Armenia is the only country of the EAEU that has no common border with the other member states of the union. [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] guaranteed a free transit corridor for exporting its goods to the Eurasian Economic Union, Armenian deputy economic minister Emil Tarasyan stated.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

|{{SRB}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.b92.net/eng/news/world.php?yyyy=2019&mm=08&dd=29&nav_id=107181|title = European Commission: Serbia will have to terminate the agreement with Eurasian Union| date=29 August 2019 }}</ref> {{SIN}}<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.silkroadbriefing.com/news/2019/09/04/singapore-sign-free-trade-agreement-eurasian-economic-union-october-25th/|title = Singapore to Sign Free Trade Agreement with Eurasian Economic Union on October 25th|date = 4 September 2019|access-date = 24 September 2019|archive-date = 24 September 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190924181426/https://www.silkroadbriefing.com/news/2019/09/04/singapore-sign-free-trade-agreement-eurasian-economic-union-october-25th/|url-status = dead}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[Tajikistan]] was formally invited to join the union and has expressed its interest in acceding.<ref name="Eurasian Economic Union Enlargement">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/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}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{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}}</ref> It is recognized as a potential candidate and membership negotiations are underway.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":11">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{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}}</ref> In 2015, further efforts were made to integrate Tajikistan into the EAEU.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[Uzbekistan]] has been hesitant to join the Economic Union, with Uzbek officials making opposing claims on the prospect of integration.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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]]}}</ref> Originally, the country preferred not to pursue economic and political integration.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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.}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Uzbekistan began its integration process when Russia announced it would write off US$865 million off debt owed by the country. Uzbekistan joined the [[CISCommonwealth of Independent States Free Trade Area]] in 2014, meaning it has free trade with EAEU member states.<ref>{{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.}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>[http://www.azernews.az/region/65752.html Uzbekistan joins CIS free trade zone], azernews.az. Retrieved 23 June 2016.</ref> According to some sources, Uzbekistan does not intend to become a full member of the EAEU,<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=UzbekistanMarch2020>{{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]]}}</ref> In September 2023, Uzbekistan estimated that it will join EAEU in 2–3 years.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{citeweb|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}}</ref>

[[File:Decision making process of the Eurasian Customs Union and the Single Economic Space.jpg|thumb|250px|Current decision-making process of the [[Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union|Eurasian Customs Union]] and the Single Economic Space<ref>{{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}}</ref>]]

The approved budget of the Eurasian Economic Union for 2015 exceeds 6.6 billion Russian roubles.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=budget>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 EEU|Court of the EAEU]].<ref group=note>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.</ref><ref name=budget />

EuroasianEurasian Economic Union has the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|tenth-largest economy]] in the world by nominal GDP and the [[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|fifth-largest]] by [[purchasing power parity]].

Since the establishment of the [[Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union|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.<ref name="eurasiancommission.org" group=journal /> 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.

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

[[File:Знак EAC на креме для бритья.JPG|thumb|The [[Eurasian Conformity mark]] EAC.]]

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 [[Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union|Eurasian Customs Union]] on 1 January 2010.

[[Russia]] has the world's largest [[natural gas reserves]],<ref>[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.</ref> the 8th largest [[oil reserves]],<ref>[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.</ref> and the second largest [[coal reserves]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Russia is also the world's leading natural gas exporter<ref>[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.</ref> and the second largest [[natural gas producer]],<ref name=cia-gas>"[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.</ref> 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 45-5045–50% 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).<ref name="energycharter"/>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:EAEU GDP per capita.svg|thumb|650px|Past and projected GDP (nominal) per capita in EAEU countries.{{Citation needed|date=March 2020}}{{dubious|reason=What is the currency used?|date=March 2020}}]]

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.<ref name="WaPost" /> The popular magazine ''[[The Economist]]'' stated that the advantages of joining the union remain unclear<ref name="Economist">{{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}}</ref> and further remarked "The agreement was vague, with technical details left unresolved, making it a political show rather than an economic one".<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 president of Kazakhstan also held talks with the heads of Chinese corporations and agreed to cooperate in the areas of [[Aerospace manufacturer|aircraft production]], [[telecommunication]] and [[mining]].<ref group=journal>{{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 }}</ref>

Having completed a free trade agreement (FTA) feasibility study for Vietnam in November 2012<ref name="english.thesaigontimes.vn">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

After January 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).

* [[Vietnam]]<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>[{{Cite web|url=http://wtocenter.vn/other-agreement/vietnam-eurasian-economic-union-fta-full-content|title=Vietnam - Eurasian Economic Union FTA (full content) &#124; 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 EAEU|accessdate=25 February 2024|archive-Vietnamdate=6 FTA]October 2015 }}</ref> (signed on May 29, May 2015, entered into force on 5 October 5, 2016<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/vietnam.php | title=Socialist Republic of Vietnam }}</ref> and this Free Trade Agreement & Economic Integration Agreement covers trade in goods and trade in services<ref name="rtais.wto.org">{{cite web | url=https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx?rtaid=973 | title=WTO &#124; Regional trade agreements }}</ref><ref name="economy.gov.ru">{{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}}</ref>)

* [[Iran]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/OTQ4OTMyMTAx|title=HKTDC Research|website=research.hktdc.com}}</ref> (the Interim Agreement was signed on 17 May 17, 2018, and came into force on 27 October 27, 2019<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/iran.php | title=Islamic Republic of Iran }}</ref> and this Free Trade Agreement covers trade in goods.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx?rtaid=1028 | title=WTO &#124; Regional trade agreements }}</ref>) Full FTA signed on 25 December 2023.<ref>{{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]] }}</ref>

* [[China]] (signed on 17 May 17, 2018, entered into force on 25 October 25, 2019<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/china.php | title=People's Republic of China }}</ref> and this Agreement is not a free trade agreement at all since it does not provide any reduction in duties,<ref name="01Z"/> 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]]<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/china.php</ref>)

* [[Serbia]]<ref>{{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 }}</ref> (signed on 25 October 25, 2019, and entered into force on 10 July 10, 2021<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/serbia.php | title=Republic of Serbia }}</ref> and this Free Trade Agreement covers trade in goods<ref>{{cite web | url=https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx?rtaid=1149 | title=WTO &#124; Regional trade agreements }}</ref>)

* [[Singapore]] (the EAEU-Singapore Framework Agreement and the EAEU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement were signed On Octoberon 1, October 2019<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/torgovye-soglasheniya/singapore.php | title=Republic of Singapore }}</ref>)

Officially, agreements with Egypt, India,<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>[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.</ref> Indonesia, Iran, Israel,<ref>{{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}}</ref> Mongolia and the UAE are under development and the possibility of starting negotiations with Mongolia is being studied.<ref name="The EAEU Trade Agreements"/>

{{main|List of bilateral free trade agreements|Commonwealth of Independent States Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area (1994)|Commonwealth of Independent States Free Trade Area}}

[[File:CIS_Countries.PNG|thumb|The [[Commonwealth of Independent States Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area (1994)|1994 CIS FTA Agreement]] 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.<ref name="cis.minsk.by">{{cite web | url=https://cis.minsk.by/reestrv2/doc/884#documentCard | title=Единый реестр правовых актов и других документов Содружества Независимых Государств }}</ref>]]

[[File:CISFTA (orthographic projection).svg|thumb|The 2011 [[Commonwealth of Independent States Free Trade Area]] 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),<ref name="consultant.ru"/> the previous agreements with third countries concluded before 1 January 2015 continue to be in force (Article 102).<ref name="Статья 102. Переходные положения в">{{cite web | url=https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_163855/5612d6c0484a8192696030fd3f4c32dd293c3bb8/#dst101124 | title=Статья 102. Переходные положения в отношении раздела IX \ КонсультантПлюс }}</ref> 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 January 1, January 2015 of this Member State with such a third party or an international agreement to which all Member States are parties."<ref name="Статья 102. Переходные положения в"/> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>) and bilateral agreements that do not regulate relations with third countries remain in force for their parties.

The [[Commonwealth of Independent States Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area (1994)|1994 CIS FTA Agreement]], 1999 CIS FTA Protocol (multilateral free trade is in force among 10 countries) and [[Commonwealth of Independent States Free Trade Area|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.<ref name="cis.minsk.by"/>

2011 [[CISFTACommonwealth 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 [[Commonwealth of Independent States Free Trade Area|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 [[Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement|European Union and Ukraine]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Ukraine did the same thing on January 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 are in force in Russia.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=643&relation=I&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }}</ref> as well as "zero tariffs" agreements with Abkhazia<ref>https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/international_contracts/international_contracts/2_contract/44614/</ref><ref>https://yutu.customs.gov.ru/news/document/40830</ref> and South Ossetia<ref>https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/international_contracts/international_contracts/2_contract/44657/</ref> are in force in Russia. Bilateral free trade agreement with Turkmenistan is in force in Belarus.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=112&relation=I&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }}</ref> Bilateral free trade agreement with Turkmenistan is in force in Armenia.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=051&relation=I&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }}</ref> Bilateral free trade agreement with Serbia is in force in Kazakhstan.<ref>https://rtais.wto.org/UI/PublicShowMemberRTAIDCard.aspx?rtaid=1248</ref>

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

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 January 1, January 2015. 65 agreements have entered into force.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

The EAEU has the Common System of Tariff Preferences for approved goods from 29 developing and 48 [[least-developed countries]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/en/comission/department/dotp/tariff_preferences.php | title=Regulatory and legal framework }}</ref> As of March 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]], [[Palestinian territories|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eec.eaeunion.org/news/eaes-sovershenstvuet-edinuyu-sistemu-tarifnyh-preferentsij/ | title=ЕАЭС совершенствует единую систему тарифных преференций }}</ref> 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 [[World Bank high-income economy|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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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%.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news11_e/acc_rus_10nov11_e.htm | title=WTO &#124; 2011 News items -– Working Party seals the deal on Russia's membership negotiations }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=417&relation=E&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }}</ref> Armenia was granted preferences from Canada, the EU, Japan, Norway, Switzerland and the United States.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=051&relation=E&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }}</ref> Belarus was granted preferences from Japan, Norway and Switzerland.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=112&relation=E&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }}</ref> Kazakhstan was granted preferences from Japan, Norway, Switzerland and the United States.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=398&relation=E&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }}</ref> In 2013, the [[World Bank]] announced that Russia had graduated to a [[high-income economy]] based on the results of 2012<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blogs.worldbank.org/opendata/new-country-classifications | title=New Country Classifications | date=2 July 2013 }}</ref><ref name=WB2013>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> but in 2016 it was reclassified as an [[upper-middle income economy]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blogs.worldbank.org/opendata/new-country-classifications-2016 | title=New country classifications by income level: 2016-20172016–2017 | date=July 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{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 }}</ref> [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] (CBP) indicated that Russia formally graduated from the GSP program on 4 October 2014.<ref>{{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) &#124; 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 }}</ref> Thus, Russia does not have these preferences.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.macmap.org/en/query/trade-agreement?reporter=643&relation=E&partner=all | title=Market Access Map }}</ref> In 2024, the World Bank again reclassified Russia as a high-income economy based on 2023 results.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

The Eurasian Economic Union mainly uses its [[arms industry]],<ref name="SIPRI">[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.</ref> [[raw materials]],<ref name=usgs>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]].</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> gas and oil reserves,{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} and railways<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> as its key assets for trade with foreign countries.

Because of disagreements with the Eurasian Economic Union's largest member, Russia, the European Union does not officially recognize the Eurasian EocnomicEconomic Union.<ref name=":13" />{{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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Members of the union, especially Russia have tried to diversify their trade by signing economic agreements with China,<ref>{{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}}</ref> Iran<ref>{{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}}</ref> and Turkey.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Trade with North and South Korea has also risen.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

A rising China has been increasingly interested in Central Asia and the Eurasian Economic Union.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Analysts see the union as a potential way China could facilitate its investments in the region.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|title=China Establishing New Silk Roads|date=8 July 2014 |url=http://www.voanews.com/content/china-establishing-new-silk-roads/1953455.html|access-date=7 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> China has signed numerous energy deals with Russia and Kazakhstan, as it tries to move from [[coal]] to less pollutant alternatives.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Russia and Iran strike oil agreement|website=[[CNBC]]|date=6 August 2014|url=https://www.cnbc.com/id2014/101899870#08/06/russia-and-iran-strike-oil-for-food-agreement.html|access-date=7 August 2014}}</ref> A free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union came into force on 27 October 2019.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Dmitry Medvedev 2 November 2008-3.jpg|thumb|250px|Azerbaijani President [[Ilham Aliyev]], Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] and Armenian President [[Serzh SarkisianSargsyan]] hold peace talks in [[Moscow]] on 2 November 2008.]]

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

Western analysts generally see the Eurasian Economic Union as a way to reunite many of the former Soviet republics. For example, ''[[The Washington Post|Washington Post]]'' author Abigail Hauslohner wrote the treaty was intended "to further bolster [Russia]'s ties to former Soviet republics."<ref name=WaPost>{{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}}</ref> The United States expressed its opposition to the Eurasian Union, claiming it is "an attempt" to re-establish a [[Soviet Union|USSR]]-type union among the former Soviet republics.<ref name=Hillary/> In December 2012, former [[United States Secretary of State|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".<ref name=Hillary>[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</ref>

Kazakhstan's president [[Nursultan Nazarbayev]] called it "a hard-won achievement" and "a blessing for our people."<ref name=WaPost /> Public support in Kazakhstan for the country's accession to the EAEU stood at 68% in June 2014, with 5.5% opposed.<ref>[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.</ref>

The [[Customs Union of the Eurasian Economic Union|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.<ref name="Boris N. Mamlyuk 2014"/> However, the impact or legacy of that agreement is unclear<ref>{{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}}</ref>&nbsp;– trade between the three states actually fell 13% during the agreement's first year.<ref name=Economist />

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[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 Plateauplateau]], and is located between the [[Caucasus]] and the [[Near East]].<ref>{{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"}}</ref>

*[[New Union of Sovereign StatesTreaty]]