Putin declares the end of the post-Soviet era. What next?

In his last speech to parliament as prime minister of Russia before taking over the Presidentcy in May, Vladimir Putin  outlined his vision for the country: "We have one Russia, and its modern, advanced development must be the goal that unites all the country's political forces that want to work to build it."

In his speech Putin hailed the creation of a common economic space between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan as the biggest geopolitical event for the region since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

"The creation of the Customs Union and a common economic space is, I believe, the most important geopolitical and integration event in the post-Soviet space since the break-up of the Soviet Union,"  “We have been working in the format of closer integration, as part of the common economic space,” Putin went on, adding that this included “freedom of movement for goods, capital and labor force.”

Since the creation of the Customs Union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan and the removal of customs barriers in 2011, trade turnover between the countries has increased by 37 percent, with a 13-percent growth registered in the first two months of 2012, Putin said.

He also said further integration between the three former Soviet republics was “inevitable" and that the next step would be the creation of a Eurasian Economic Union by 2015.

“We hope that other partners who are interested in more advanced cooperation will join Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan," he added.

The three countries’ presidents signed a declaration on Eurasian economic integration, a roadmap for integration processes aimed at creating a Eurasian Economic Union based on the existing Customs Union, in November 2011.

source: commonspace.eu with RIA-Novosti and BBC World

photo: Vladimir Putin addressing the Russian Parliament on 11 April 2011 (picture courtesy of the Press Service of the Government of Russia)

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.  

Popular

Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.