The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit commenced on Thursday, December 26, at the Igora Resort in Russia's Leningrad Region, bringing together leaders from the bloc's five member states to discuss key economic initiatives. Russian President Vladimir Putin chaired the meeting, attended in person by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan joined virtually due to COVID-19 precautions.
The summit's agenda focused on strengthening economic integration, eliminating trade barriers, and establishing a unified market for gas, oil, and oil products. Other topics included harmonizing financial legislation, expanding the shared services market, and finalizing the Union’s international strategy for 2025.
A statement issued after the meeting confirmed that Belarus would assume the EAEU’s rotating presidency starting January 1, 2025. Delegates from observer states Uzbekistan and Cuba also participated, with Cuba's leader attending via video link.
Founded in 2014 by Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia, the EAEU was joined by Armenia and Kyrgyzstan in 2015. The bloc seeks to foster economic cooperation and integration among post-Soviet states in Eurasia.
