For EAEU 2015 was a Year of Understanding Its Problems, Rather than Solving Them
For the EAEU 2015 was more a year of understanding its problems, rather than solving them. Armenia, in turn, still solves the problem of increasing its role in the EAEU and assesses the possibility of obtaining benefits from the Union.
Formed in January on the basis of the Customs Union, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) went through quite complicated processes in 2015. There was a task to create and run the basic institutions of the EAEU, to adapt the national laws into the new realities, to come to a consensus around fundamental issues.
In parallel with these natural processes barriers were created because of mutual economic sanctions between Russia and the EU, which brought to an economic crisis, the trade turnover between the EAEU member states decreased, etc.
There are also a number of problems and contradictions between Russia, Kazakhstan and Balarus left from the Customs Union, which are today reflected in the functioning of the EAEU. For example, one of the most talked and controversial issues is raising the minimum threshold for the taxation of purchases via the Internet, around which it is impossible to come to an agreement with Belarus.
In 2015 a major achievement for the EAEU was the formation of a common labor market, easing the proposed conditions of migrant workers in all countries of the EAEU, defining common standards, etc. from which Armenia benefits a lot. Another important task on the agenda, on which active work is being done, is the development of the Customs Code. Transition to a single currency is also a subject of negotiations, but according to experts, this process requires a minimum of 10 years, and the first step should be organising trade with national currencies.
Another important vector for the EAEU is the development of its external relations. In 2015 the EAEU signed an agreement with Vietnam on the establishment of a free trade zone, talks with India, Israel, Egypt and Iran have also started. In addition, the EAEU initiates the establishment of cooperation with the EU.
The Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission Viktor Khristenko sent a letter to the President of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker with a proposal to form a working group to discuss the organization of a permanent dialogue between the EU and the EAEU.
Armenia, in its turn, does not fully feel the possible benefits of the EAEU, which is because of a number of unresolved problems of infrastructure and the economic crisis. In addition, Armenia, as a country that has, compared with other EAEU countries, smaller economy, has the task to form its own role in the Union and to increase its role in the cooperation. This year certain steps have already been taken in this direction, in particular, Armenia proposed to help in the negotiations between the EAEU-Iran using its centuries-old experience of cooperation with Iran. Armenia may also have a significant contribution in the development of the IT sector in the EAEU, in conducting expert studies, in providing platforms of cooperation for young people and in other issues. Armenia, given the experience of dialogue between the EU-Armenia and the current activity between them, can also play an important role in establishing a dialogue between the European Union and the EAEU.
The role of Armenia in the EAEU and in the region will increase significantly in the case of building Armenia-Iran railway, and restarting the work of Abkhaz railway. Some steps in this direction are already being taken.
2015 was the year of defining the new realities and objectives for the EAEU in general and for Armenia in particular. Further achievements will depend on the initiatives, transparent and constructive dialogue between the countries of the EAEU.
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