Russia and the Customs Union with Kazakhstan And Belarus

Author(s): Sherzod Shadikhodjaev
Editor(s): Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 87
Pages: 10-12
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen; Institute of History, University of Basel
Publication Year: 2010

The Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus is a product of diverse speed integration in the post-Soviet space. It consists of both free trade arrangements among its members and a common commercial policy towards third countries. Russia has a keen interest in this project because, inter alia, it opens up new opportunities for both foreign and Russian investors, keeps the Eurasian Economic Community in operation and represents an important tool for Russia to increase its economic and political influence in the region. On the other hand, the Customs Union limits Russia's sovereignty in foreign trade policy, and requires coordination with its partners on issues of common jurisprudence and interest.

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