Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s article on formation of the Eurasian Union received many responses and comments. In an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza, Sergey Mikheyev, Director General of the Center for Political Environment, noted prospects for the Eurasian Union.
At least three major post-Soviet states - Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus - demonstrate a positive attitude towards the project. There are opportunities for such a union. But a lot depends on the will of political elites, such a will can be seen and will remain in the near future, he says.
Mikheyev believes that the Eurasian Union is an attempt to switch from an economy of raw resources to the formation of an alternative center for economic development.
Putin’s article has nothing to do with the coming elections. The issue has been discussed since the 1990s. Putin is known for his positive attitude towards integration processes. Formation of the Customs Union was realized with his direct participation. It may only have indirect relation to the polls. The project may develop for 20-30 years at best. The tendency is obvious – first there was the EurAsEC, the Customs Union, and now the Eurasian Union. The Customs Union could have been called a pre-electoral initiative that way, yet it is successfully operating, the Russian expert concluded.
