A tale of two unions: Russia–Belarus integration experience and its lessons for the Eurasian Economic Union

Abstract

The present contribution explores the evolution of the Eurasian initiative against the background of a more distant integration project, namely the Russia-Belarus Union State. It demonstrates that in spite of the Eurasian integration project’s more solid economic foundation and constant engagement from Moscow, the former has demonstrated a persistent similarity to the latter. The article looks into the divergence of interests of the Eurasian project participants, which has been exacerbated by the Ukraine crisis. Contrary to the main idea underpinning both the Russia–Belarus and the Eurasian initiatives, their evolution has not led to a full abolition of borders and these have demonstrated a persistent tendency to find their way back into existence.