EAEU summit kicks off in Russia’s Leningrad

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is holding a summit at Igora Resort in Russia’s Leningrad Region on Thursday, December 26, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan in attendance.

The summit focuses on boosting integration by addressing barriers in domestic markets, harmonising financial laws, and liberalising the common services market.

Key discussions include establishing unified markets for gas, oil, and oil products, as well as setting the Union’s international priorities and budget for 2025.

The leaders will sign around 20 agreements, including granting Iran observer status. Belarus will assume the Union’s rotating presidency in 2025, with President Alexander Lukashenko outlining his chairmanship priorities.

Observer nations Uzbekistan and Cuba are also participating, with Cuba’s leader joining via video link.

Attribution: TASS

Subediting: M. S. Salama