Eurasian Economic Union

Despite Moscow’s diplomatic overtures, Uzbekistan announced on October 17 that it will not be pursuing full membership in the Eurasian Economic Union. 

At a Eurasian Economic Union meeting, sandwiched between Putin’s fifth inauguration and the nationalistic May 9 display, the Kyrgyz president raised concerns about labor mobility in the EAEU.

The EAEU is largely ineffective in terms of economic cooperation and integration, which are paradoxically its very reasons for being.

Russia needs the support of its "old friends" more than ever and views the EAEU as a vehicle for that support.

Industrialized meat processing is inherently a messy business. In Kyrgyzstan, the politics of regulating the food supply and flows of trade can be just as messy. 

Authorities in the Kyrgyz capital extended a ban on protests that’s been in place most of the year, hoping to head off any trouble when Putin (and Mirziyoyev) come to town.

While Russian political and military influence is dwindling, does a Russian-designed economic union have a chance to survive within the changing geopolitics of Central Asia?

If the EAEU is simply an economic project, the current circumstances will strain its relevance as members suffer the consequences of close ties to the Russian economy.

Exploring the geoeconomic implications for the BRI and other Eurasian economic and infrastructure initiatives.

Accession to the Eurasian Economic Union provided some relief to Kyrgyz migrant workers, but difficulties remain. 

Tashkent is taking its time, slowly moving toward EAEU membership and perhaps hoping to carve out exceptions in exchange for joining.

Let’s keep to discussions about trade, okay?

Uzbekistan is an observer in the Eurasian Economic Union, but in a recent speech it’s clear Tashkent wants to see the benefits of membership before making the leap.

Tashkent’s 2021 strategy directs several government agencies to align with a number of EAEU regulations. 

Tashkent's observer status does not earn it any of the benefits President Shavkat Mirziyoyev heralded in his remarks, but full membership appears to be the goal.

If Uzbekistan enters the EAEU, Tajikistan will have little choice but to follow.

Uzbekistan is joining the union as an an observer, but its officials have been promising the benefits of a full member.

Kazakh President Tokayev pushed back on Moscow’s timelines for the EAEU’s 2025 development strategy.

The parliament of Uzbekistan approved observer status to the EAEU. Could it be just a deferment on membership?

Despite an earlier lack of debate or dissent, members of the Uzbek parliament have pushed back on the government’s plan for EAEU membership.

Tashkent has lined up its rationale and settled on a narrative for cooperation with the EAEU.

In a state of the union address, Uzbek President said the country would engage in “cooperation” with the EAEU.

Russia’s invitation for India to link up with Eurasian Economic Union recalls the SCO expansion saga.

What is Russia trying to accomplish with the CSTO, SCO, and EAEU?