Publication

This paper provides a broad overview of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), established on January 1, 2015; the EEU’s successes and limitations during the first nine months of existence; and its implications for Russian-West relations. Among other things, the author 1) argues that the EEU represents the most comprehensive stage of economic integration among post-Soviet states; 2) discusses the developments that led to the creation of the EEU; 3) examines the EEU’s different institutions; 4) reviews Russia’s position towards the EEU; 5) looks at the impact of the economic problems facing Russia, partly due to Western sanctions imposed on the country, on the performance of the EEU; and 6) considers whether the EU should engage in relations with the EEU.