Events

MOSCOW, 24 December (BelTA) – The use of national regulations with regard to all the transported commodities should be part of the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty. In other words, national laws should apply to the merchandise of the Eurasian Economic Union member states. The suggestion was voiced by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko at the restricted attendance session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Moscow on 24 December, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded that Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia are creating the Eurasian Economic Union where the Single Economic Space will function. It is stipulated by the resolution adopted in Astana in May 2013. The resolution states “without exemptions and restrictions as a rule”. Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that the three countries had advanced further in ensuring the freedom of merchandise transportation than in the spheres of services, capital, and workforce. According to the Belarus President, it is only logical because the establishment of the Customs Union began earlier than the establishment of the Single Economic Space. “However, despite the arrangements made by the three countries some exemptions still linger, including those applied to alcohol, tobacco, medications, medical products, gas, oil, oil products, automobiles, fish, and so on. I am convinced that it is risky and wrong to go ahead with the economic union while the customs union is not fully operational,” stressed the Belarus President.

“The freedom of merchandise transportation should be kind of an example for bringing about all the other freedoms. Otherwise, even non-economists will understand that the entire idea of the union and its economic sense can be doubted,” believes the Belarusian head of state. This is why Alexander Lukashenko suggested the enforcement of national regulations against the merchandise of the three countries as part of the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty. Merchandise of the three countries should not be subject to any restrictions, export duties, other kinds of duties and fees, quantity restrictions or something else, including various hindrances. In his opinion, at the same time consistent efforts should be put into implementing the arrangements stipulated by the basic agreements of the Single Economic Space.

Apart from that, Alexander Lukashenko disagreed with the idea to allow the obligations stipulated by the Treaty not to apply to the obligations of the Eurasian Economic Union member states stipulated by agreements with third countries. In his words, the norm would threaten the integration process. The Belarus President pointed out that bilateral agreements exist inside the troika, too. Some of them stipulate more favorable trade and economic cooperation terms in comparison with the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty. “I think it is important to preserve their effect and clearly state it in the treaty we are preparing. I am convinced that the approach will foster further development of integration processes,” said the Belarusian leader.

Speaking about the functional part of the Treaty, Alexander Lukashenko remarked that its readiness is at about 30%. Although it is a tentative figure, the situation raises concerns because a number of chapters have not been worked out. Alexander Lukashenko suggested instructing the Eurasian Economic Commission to step up the work to analyze the compatibility of the institutional part and the functional part of the draft treaty.