Belarus-Russia Union State expansion and EAEU: Glazyev explains the link

MINSK, 31 March (BelTA) – Belarus and Russia are not forcing anyone to participate in the Union State, State Secretary of the Belarus-Russia Union State Sergei Glazyev said at a press conference dedicated to the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia, BelTA has learned.

“I would like to address the issue regarding the Union State and its interaction with the Eurasian Economic Union. First of all, I want to emphasize that participation in the Union State is entirely voluntary. This is the key principle on which our cooperation is built. We do not force anyone into this union. Countries join it only when it serves their national interests and reflects their own will. The voluntary nature of this process is fundamental,” Sergei Glazyev said.

“Secondly, regarding the Eurasian Economic Union. It is the EAEU that is currently shaping a common economic space. It is within the EAEU that issues of customs and tariff policy, the elimination of trade barriers, and the creation of common markets are being addressed. This is the platform where real economic integration takes place,” he explained.

“If we imagine that a country which is not a member of the EAEU wanted to join the Union State, it would inevitably face a number of practical difficulties. For example, issues related to customs, trade duties, and rules for the movement of goods would arise. The country would find itself outside the common economic framework. Therefore, for any country considering deeper integration with Russia and Belarus, joining the Eurasian Economic Union is a logical and necessary step. This allows for the synchronization of economic policies and creates equal conditions for all participants,” the state secretary of the Union State said.

“We see successful examples of such multi-level integration in other formats as well, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or BRICS. The same principle applies everywhere: integration is only possible on the basis of mutual benefit and the voluntary consent of all parties. No one is forcing anyone,” he stated.

“To fully participate in integration processes with Russia and Belarus, it is essential to be part of a common economic space, which today is provided by the Eurasian Economic Union,” Sergei Glazyev concluded.