MOSCOW, January 1. /TASS/. On January 1, Belarus assumes the chairmanship of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), succeeding Armenia. Late last year, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko stated that Minsk would approach this task with full responsibility and strive to ensure the continued steady development of the association, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2025.
Chairmanship goals
Outlining the objectives for its presidency, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko stated that Minsk would focus on advancing digitalization and cutting-edge technologies. He emphasized that creating "national solutions and localized digitalization of processes and services, independent of existing integration projects, undermines the principles established in the EAEU agreement."
According to Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, digitalization should fully support the functioning of the EAEU's single domestic market. “To prevent barriers in mutual trade, it is essential that digital technologies and solutions are implemented across all EAEU countries based on common principles and approaches,” he stated.
Belarus believes that particular attention should be given to accelerating digitalization in the area of veterinary and sanitary measures, according to the official. He also called for promptly ensuring the integration of national segments within the information system for electronic vehicle passports, self-propelled vehicles, and other types of machinery.
“We need a more focused and pragmatic dialogue on the climate agenda,” Golovchenko stated. “The trend toward decarbonization and the development of a low-carbon economy poses significant risks of trade barriers within the EAEU. We must be prepared to address these challenges. Additionally, a thorough analysis of the implementation of the Strategic Directions for Developing Eurasian Economic Integration until 2025 is necessary. Some of the tasks outlined by the heads of state remain incomplete, and we need to accelerate our efforts to compensate for lost time,” he emphasized.
Former Belarusian Ambassador to Russia Dmitry Krutoy identified technological independence as one of the key priorities Minsk will focus on during its EAEU presidency. He emphasized that achieving this goal requires close collaboration between science and industry.
According to Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko, the EAEU countries will need to review the outcomes of the development strategy in 2025. They will also have to establish the fundamental principles and approaches for implementing the declaration on the further development of the Union until 2030, as well as the prospects for 2045. This declaration was signed by the heads of state in December 2023.
The EAEU
The EAEU, established by a treaty signed in Astana on May 29, 2014, is an international organization focused on regional economic integration. Its goal is to modernize, cooperate, and enhance the competitiveness of member states' national economies, while creating conditions for stable development to improve the living standards of people residing in these countries. The treaty came into force on January 1, 2015. The EAEU comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.