Forms of International Cooperation of the Eurasian Economic Union: Legal Aspect

Abstract

The integration in Eurasia has been going on for more than 30 years. A new milestone has been reached with the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union in 2014. In addition to the classical goals of a modern organisation, an important task for EAEU is to build an extensive network of international contacts. The current structure of international relations has strengthened the formation of the EAEU as a new pillar of the Eurasian region. However, neither the law of the EAEU nor the scientific literature contains the category of ‘form’ of international cooperation or a list of such forms. The purpose of this paper is to identify the mechanisms through which the EAEU carries out international activities, to analyse them, and to develop proposals for their improvement. The author identifies three forms that are the framework of international cooperation of the Organisation: international treaties, observer status, and memorandums. Each of these forms is studied in detail with the identification of specifics, advantages, and disadvantages. The paper is based on the analysis of the legal framework of the Union, the author takes into account economic, political factors, and positions of the member states. The study employs a comparative method, appealing to the experience of other international organisations and states using similar legal mechanisms. Finally, the author summarises all three forms of international activity and suggests creating an updated form using the provisions already available in the EAEU Treaty. The formula of this mechanism includes the following elements. First, the formation of proposals on potential partners with a forecast of economic and political effects of cooperation using the resources of the Advisory Committee on International Activities. Second, the application of a memorandum of cooperation, but with a step-by-step deepening into a specific sphere of economy. Thus, the reformed mechanism should lead to the achievement of the central goal of the Organisation — the development of the economies of the Member States by bringing investors and entrepreneurs to new markets.