WEU leadership transfers to Kazakhstan in 2026
In the heart of Belarus, the capital city of Minsk played host to a significant meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC). The gathering, attended by world leaders from Iran, Cuba, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mongolia, and Abu Dhabi, among others, aimed to deepen the integration of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) [1].
At the forefront of this meeting was the Belarusian President, Aleksandr Lukashenko, who emphasised the need for every step in integration to yield real advantages, not just promises [1][2]. He pointed to recent trade agreements with Mongolia and the UAE as beneficial examples, with an upcoming agreement with Indonesia expected by year-end [1].
The agenda for the meeting was wide-ranging, focusing on advancing the EAEU’s development strategy for the next decade, ensuring cooperation among member countries despite occasional differences, and reinforcing the union’s resilience amidst geopolitical challenges [1][2]. The meeting also addressed the continued coordination on key common policies in energy, transport, industry, and fair competition, with future plans including the possible introduction of a common currency ("altyn") and initiatives like the "Single Eurasian Sky" to unify the region’s airspace market [4].
The leaders' speeches primarily centred on solidarity in integration, economic cooperation, and the importance of maintaining a unified approach to achieve mutual benefits and sustainable development. The strategic role of Belarus as the current president of the EAEU was stressed, indicating a proactive Belarusian agenda [1].
While the exact signed agreements at the expanded meeting were not specified, recent significant agreements mentioned include trade preferences with Mongolia and the UAE, and a forthcoming deal with Indonesia. The collaboration on defense projects such as Russia’s Su-75 stealth fighter jet with Belarusian participation may also reflect deepened strategic cooperation within the union [3].
Looking ahead, the chairmanship of the VEAEC will be transferred to the Republic of Kazakhstan next year, signalling a continued commitment to the Eurasian Economic Union's growth and development [5]. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation in areas such as industry, transport and logistics, agriculture, digitalization, and artificial intelligence [5].
In summary, the expanded meeting reaffirmed the EAEU’s commitment to integration that yields practical benefits, highlighted recent and forthcoming trade accords to enhance member states’ economies, and reinforced continuing cooperation on long-term development strategies and common policies among Eurasian leaders gathered in Minsk [1][4].
[1] TASS News Agency [2] Belarusian Telegraph Agency [3] RIA Novosti [4] Interfax [5] Belarusian Telegraph Agency
- The significant meeting in Minsk, spearheaded by the Belarusian President, set the stage for discussions on policy-and-legislation, focusing on deepening the Eurasian Economic Union through strategies that ensure tangible advantages.
- As part of the meeting's agenda, leaders also addressed the coordination on common policies, such as energy, transport, industry, and fair competition, and proposed initiatives like the introduction of a common currency and unifying the region’s airspace market, which are significant aspects of politics and general-news.
