Spatial Measurement of Eurasian Integration

Abstract

—The institutions of Eurasian integration were formed from the experience of other integration associations, but taking into account the specifics of the participating countries. The article assesses the impact of spatial factors on the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which has not yet been sufficiently studied, although this is quite significant. Among these factors are Russia’s sharp dominance in the EAEU, large social and economic differences at the country and regional levels, the predominance of energy sector and its infrastructure in the interaction of the participating countries, and the deep-seated position in Eurasia. The existing institutions are mainly aimed at ensuring freedom for mutual trade and cross-border movement of the population. Mainly, capital cities benefited from this, to which the main part of mutual trade and labor migrations is locked. At the same time, they did not stimulate the development of industrial and technological cooperation between the participating countries. Eurasian integration has done nothing to reduce the unevenness of spatial development in the participating countries, which bolsters skepticism towards the EAEU and increases internal political instability. The recently adopted Strategic Directions for Developing the Eurasian Economic Integration until 2025 presuppose correction of integration institutions towards strengthening of the coordination elements and joint design in them. This will make it possible to reduce the negative impact of the intracontinental position and more actively use the potential of a central position in Eurasia. The system of measures for joint economic policy presented in them has created a new platform for stable interaction between states, national communities, and business for more efficient use of the Eurasian space they occupy.