Demographic Dynamics and Social Transformation in the EAEU

Abstract

The paper studies demographic changes characterizing new trends in population reproduction in the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which differ significantly in the level and rate of population aging. The purpose of the research is to develop proposals for improving social institutions aimed at the development of the EAEU in the context of changes in the age structure of the population. The Eurasian Economic Union is a relatively new but rapidly developing regional integration organization, in a certain sense forming the core of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). At the same time, the transition to subsequent integration stages is impossible without the development of social institutions of the EAEU. Currently, the development of social programs and norms for the formation of common social values is not included in the tasks of regional unions in the post-Soviet space or is considered only in passing. Nevertheless, for further integration it becomes essential to take into account demographic trends as factors in the development of the EAEU. The article shows that over the past six years (2017–2022) in the field of natural reproduction, demographic trends in the member countries of the Union had different directions. The greatest impact on the demographic development of the EAEU is exerted by changes in the population of the Russian Federation, although in recent years there has been a slight decrease in the share of Russia in the total population of the Union. The population of the EAEU countries has significant differences in age structure, however, all five member countries of the Union are affected by the process of demographic aging. The article presents a number of proposals aimed at including demographic changes as a factor in the development of the EAEU. These include the preparation of a comprehensive program of interaction on general humanitarian issues, primarily in the field of education and the preservation of cultural values as the basis for the connection between generations.